Newcastle keeper Steve Harper will run out for the biggest game of his Newcastle career at Hull on Saturday. The 33-year-old told NUFC TV: "We know how big this game is. Make no mistake, this really is a relegation six-pointer.

"I said last year before the game against Birmingham at exactly the same stage of the season that it was the biggest game in the club's recent history.

"Thankfully, that night we got a draw, which kickstarted a run of seven games unbeaten, which ultimately kept us up.

"And I have got no problem about saying this game at Hull is just as big.

"We need the three points. You don't get these games back. I look at the table and it doesn't lie, we really are in the thick of it.

"A good result at Hull, though, could act as a catalyst and we need to come out and show some real character.

"We have got to produce a performance like that against Manchester United last week.

"If we do that, then I'm confident we will get a result."