Newcastle United boss Steve McClaren insists they'll avoid the drop after defeat at Watford.

Odion Ighalo ended his four-game drought without a goal after he scored the opener just 44 seconds into the second half. Craig Cathcart then doubled Watford's lead shortly before the hour mark.

Jamaal Lascelles pulled one back for Newcastle, but the defeat - their third against Watford this season - leaves the Magpies occupying the relegation zone.

But McClaren was buoyed by his team's performance at Vicarage Road and is confident they will retain their top-flight status.

"We just said to the players that we won't have a problem if we keep performing like that every week," said McClaren, whose side are 18th in the league, one point adrift of Swansea.

"Many people questioned the attitude of these players earlier this season and whether they cared. Of course they do and you saw that today and in recent weeks. I thought we did everything today but win the game.

"It is disappointing and frustrating because we are not getting the results we deserve. But it is all about goals and if you don't score you don't win."