Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer says Rafa Benitez has transformed their survival chances.

The Magpies head to Aston Villa this weekend looking for the win that keeps them out of the bottom three and hoping that Chelsea can do them a massive favour by beating Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.

Shearer told BBC Sport: “Confidence is a huge thing and there's a feel-good factor about Newcastle now. There's a belief and a chance.

“There's also a belief in the crowd, they are generating at an atmosphere now that's good to play in, whereas three months ago under Steve McClaren it was all doom and gloom.

“A month ago Newcastle had no chance.

“Hence the reason I hope they don't regret not bringing in Rafa Benitez earlier because they should have."