David Ginola says Newcastle United's troubles lay squarely at the feet of the players.

The Toon legend told the Evening Chronicle: "My worry is not Alan Shearer and the job he can do. It is a concern about the Newcastle players.

"You have to understand that when players are in certain situations, especially relegation, they must concentrate on their job.

"If the club is relegated the most important thing for me is that it will be the fault of the players ultimately, regardless of what has gone on.

"What are their jobs? Why are they here?

"Are they worried about which club they will play for next season or helping Newcastle stay up? They weren't brought to Newcastle to help stop the club getting relegated - the idea was that they were signed to challenge at the top end of the table.

"That hasn't happened. But Alan has come in and it is something he can continue to change.

"Whether it is mind games or hard work I don't know, but there is plenty of time for everybody to pull together and rescue the situation."