Newcastle United caretaker boss Richard Money is confident the players are committed to the club, despite turmoil over Kevin Keegan's departure.

"I'm convinced that the supporters will be behind the team on Saturday and it is so important that they are," Money said.

"I think that at the end of the day the supporters love their football club and I am totally comfortable that they will get behind the team on Saturday. This football club needs the supporters and the team to be as one, there is no doubt about that."

Newcastle goalkeeper Shay Given spoke of his dismay at another turbulent week in the club's history before joining up with the Republic of Ireland squad ahead their World Cup qualifiers, but Money has said the players are ready to move forward.

"What we have to remember is that they are professional people - we have got a lot of experienced players and their attitude in training has been absolutely exemplary.

"The players not on international duty have been extremely bright in training over the last few days and their attitude has been nothing short of first class. I can't stress that enough. This is an important game for this football club and we can't afford to lose sight of that.

"With it being international week that gave us the opportunity to keep the players away from it all, which was definitely a good thing."