Fabricio Coloccini admits he's been shocked by Newcastle United's struggles this season.

He said: "I thought we would be higher up the table and going for either the Champions League or the UEFA Cup. My thoughts have had to change. We are down the table. I thought we would be higher in the league. I did not think when I joined that we would be at the bottom.

"The change of manager made it more difficult. I was surprised Keegan left because at that moment the team was doing good, we had good results in the league and the Carling Cup. It was a major surprise when he left the club.

"What has gone on has made it more difficult but we cannot think about what has happened to the club. We have to think about the football. That is more important.

"Have I considered relegation? We are near the relegation zone. I am aware of that. We have to win the next match to get away from it. It is very important we are getting new players. We have needed them. They will come in and they will help the team. I have played every game. I have not hidden from the challenge."