Newcastle United boss Alan Pardew insists he can steer them clear of the dropzone after their 2-1 defeat at home to Reading.

The 51-year-old saw his relegation-threatened side squander a 1-0 lead against one of only four Barclays Premier League sides worse off than them to lose 2-1 after Adam Le Fondre came off the bench to pile on the agony with a second-half double.

Pardew said: "I am strong enough and have been in situations before where I can deal with where we are at.

"But I think it's obvious that the team wants a result. That would help every situation."