Rafa Benitez will continue to rely on experience rather than youth to help Newcastle United turn their season around.

Calls for the Spaniard to start using some of the club's exciting young players have grown as Toon sit bottom of the Premier League table without a single win.

But Benitez believes this is not the right time to be putting such pressure on inexperienced players.

Benitez told the Chronicle: "Players with experience and a good mentality can help this team.

"Last year we were one of the youngest teams so to have players like Martin and Fede who have experience and a good approach is positive.

"It confirms what I say. This is a long distance race and these players will make the difference because they keep pushing and working hard.

"The others will follow them as they are the example."