Steven Taylor and Nicky Butt have issued a rallying cry to their team-mates amid a relegation battle.
Taylor and Butt worried by recent Newcastle slump
Newcastle United duo Steven Taylor and Nicky Butt have issued a rallying cry to their team-mates as the club aim to avoid relegation from the Premier League.
The Magpies have managed just one victory in their previous nine top-flight outings, and sit just two points above the drop zone.
Furthermore, caretaker pair Chris Hughton and Colin Calderwood are overseeing the side in the absence of manager Joe Kinnear, who is recovering from a triple heart bypass operation.
Newcastle next tackle champions Manchester United on Wednesday, and defender Taylor has warned that his team-mates could face relegation if they fail to improve.
Taylor told the
Daily Star: "We're in a serious relegation fight and we're devastated - but we have to be men and stand up.
Character
"This situation has to bring out the men in the dressing room. We will see exactly who wants to play for this club now.
"The lads need to show character and show exactly how much playing for Newcastle means to them."
Experienced midfielder Butt added: "Our situation is getting more and more serious as the weeks go by.
"We're all disappointed with how things went at Bolton and now it's time to try to make amends quickly.
Bitten
"The lads need to show character and show exactly how much playing for Newcastle means to them.
"Anyone who is sitting in there thinking we're going to be okay is in danger of getting bitten on the bum.
"We're down near the bottom. If we didn't think we were in the fight before this game then we know now that we definitely are.
"Now we have to try to keep our heads up, and keep going."
