Local lad Steven Taylor has called on his Newcastle United teammates to show the passion needed to drag themselves away from the dropzone.

The defender told the Evening Chronicle: "It has been difficult, but we now have to look to our fighting spirit.

"That is what we need to do from now until the end of the season.

"It is a real test of character, and we have to show just how much it means to everybody.

"We have to show just what it means to pull on a black-and-white jersey and it is up to the players who get the chance to show some passion."

Taylor added: "We have players who have played in all kinds of situations.

"We have players who have played in the Champions League and the World Cup.

"We have to make that show and every one of the final nine games is a massive game for us now."