Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has sent a strong message to critics of his team.

The Magpies were tipped to challenge for the Premier League title this season after a mega spending spree.

However, Howe believes that despite a sluggish start to the season, they will be up there when the campaign concludes.

“I'm immune to it, so I'm not hearing it," Howe told reporters about criticism of his team, even from legend Alan Shearer.

“I'm only feeling my emotions to be honest - and my emotions are such that when we don't win, I'm not great to be around. That is my drive.

“I don't need anyone else to tell me anything, really, about the team. My drive is so high. My standards are so high that I expect to win every game and I want to win every game. If we don't, I'm disappointed in myself, so I don't need anyone else to tell me anything."

He added: “I'm criticizing myself. I don't listen to other people criticizing me, so I'm immune to that."