Newcastle United boss Joe Kinnear is convinced they're on the way back after their 2-2 draw at Everton.

He said: "We showed confidence and character, we went about our business in the right way. There may have been question marks over having two small lads up front, but we kept the ball on the ground and played some very good stuff.

"There was fantastic character from the players, a great reaction at half-time. Everybody was up for the fight in the second half. Steve Taylor's goal gave us the incentive.

"For long periods we dominated. We deserved maximum points. But in my first game we stopped the rot.

"It ended a five-match losing run. To do that at a tough place like Everton was excellent.

"I didn't see either goal. I was running down the steps to the dressing room when the first went in and just heard the roar. I just prayed it was for us.

"It was and I was delighted. Everyone was in a slightly better mood by the time I got to the dressing room than I had anticipated.

"For the second one I was on my way back up those stairs. I felt that maybe I should just go back and sit in the dressing room, not watch, and we would score another two."

Kinnear added: "It was a great atmosphere in the dressing room. It was buzzing, and different to when I arrived.

"Everyone was on a downer then, and now I am looking forward to things. It does not matter how long I am here, only what I do when I am around."