Crystal Palace winger Andros Townsend supports the decision for Newcastle United players to have six days off.

The former Toon star insists the idea can work in their favour.

He told talkSPORT: "They've still got two-and-a-half weeks until their next game, so he gave them six days off to refresh, recover and get players back from injury.

"Then you've got just under two weeks to prepare for nine cup finals.

“Unfortunately it's been blown out of proportion. The fans have been misled by the reporting of the journalist.

“They don't know what goes on at football clubs, I know that every football club gives players at least six days off.

“So, for me, that's a normal thing whereas the fans don't know and they feel like Steve Bruce doesn't care and that he's waiting to get sacked. We [players] know that's not the case."