Newcastle boss John Carver asks his players to avoid media ahead of final-day relegation decider

Newcastle boss John Carver will impose a media blackout on his players as they bid to avoid relegation from the Premier League in their final game of their season.

Saturday's 2-1 defeat away to already-relegated Queens Park Rangers means Newcastle will go into their last game of the season, at home to West Ham, requiring a victory to ensure their top-flight status.

The Magpies are just two points clear of third from bottom Hull City, who play at home to Manchester United in their final fixture.

Carver believes it is imperative the Newcastle players put their concentration on their match and ignore all media coverage of their relegation fight.

"I'll tell the players to keep away from the TV and going online, to keep them focused on preparation," said Carver.

"If you take your eye off the ball you get punished, and we've got to keep our focus sharp.

"It's still in our hands, and if you want it enough then you can do something about it.

"We've got a week to get our heads around this situation."

Carver admitted the weight of expectation could have contributed to Saturday's defeat by QPR as Newcastle threw away a lead and missed the chance to secure their Premier league place.

But with just one match remaining, Carver concedes there is no hiding place.

"I've tried everything in the book I think," said Carver.

"Sometimes the quality's not there, you're just not good enough, and Saturday might have been that situation.

"Pressure's a funny thing, but now we have to control it."