Newcastle managing director Derek Llambias refuses to consider the prospect of relegation. The Magpies are now five points clear of the Barclays Premier League drop zone but with Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea due at St James' Park in their next three home games, they face an intensely difficult few weeks.

While remaining confident they will avoid the drop, Llambias knows the alternative does not bear thinking about.

He told BBC Radio Newcastle: "It's totally inconceivable. You just couldn't go there - and we won't go there.

"I might be bullish about it, but you have got to have that faith."