Alan Smith has assured fans that Newcastle United's players are determined to help manager Sam Allardyce build a new era at the club.

The former Manchester United forward told the Evening Chronicle: "I was happy to wear the captain's armband at the end against Sunderland.

"It is a club that people are proud to play for here at Newcastle. A few people have suggested we aren't trying or the commitment isn't there.

"But for me that is the worst thing you can ever say to a footballer. Everybody who was at Sunderland will see that we were committed.

"And you saw that by the reaction to the goal which proved it."

Now Smith is aiming to transfer that battling form into the big clash with Liverpool on Saturday.

He added: "On the back of that result at Sunderland we can go into this game with confidence."