Joe Kinnear Confident Newcastle United Will Stay Up

Newcastle United manager Joe Kinnear has insisted that his side can beat the drop and that they will be playing Premier League football next season.

A 3-1 defeat by Arsenal yesterday sent the Magpies into the relegation zone and, with their next fixture against Chelsea, things are starting to look bleak for The Magpies.

“We have got the five home games, starting with Arsenal tonight, and then Chelsea, Portsmouth, Boro and Fulham,” he said, according to football365.com.

“If we do okay in them, we will be fine.

“If we get nine or ten points from those five games, I am sure we will not be relegated,” added Kinnear.

Following the Chelsea fixture, the Tynesiders travel to fellow strugglers Stoke City in a real relegation six-pointer. Kinnear, however, appeared relaxed about his sides remaining games.

“Away from home, we can pick points up too. I think if we get 38 or 39 points, we will be safe - but we can get more.

“But it's down to the key players being back. I would back us against any team, when everybody is back and match-fit.

“It would be a massive boost and give us more optimism.”

The 67-year-old, who is currently recovering from heart surgery, is hoping to be back in dug-out for the trip to Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday 19 April.

Gill Clark, Goal.com