Newcastle United's Andros Townsend has rated this weekend's clash with Norwich City as the biggest game of the season.

The Magpies drew 1-1 with Tyne-Wear rivals Sunderland in their last Premier League outing and although that match is always more significant than others, winger Townsend has focused his attention on the next crucial fixture which takes place at Carrow Road on Saturday.

Newcastle currently second bottom on the league table and Townsend, who joined from Tottenham Hotspur in the winter transfer window, is well aware that their remaining eight matches are vital for the top flight future of the club.

"You could have said the derby was the biggest one of all time," he said.

"Now, it's Norwich and that's the biggest game of our careers. Then it'll be the game after that.

"We have eight cup finals to come and we need to treat them like that. We need to start picking up points sooner rather than later."