Steve McClaren calls for 'blind faith' from Newcastle fans
Steve McClaren is hoping a little "blind faith" will help to ease Newcastle out of a dreadful start to the season.
The former England boss has presided over seven games at the helm to date and is yet to taste victory in the six of those which have taken place in the Barclays Premier League, leaving his side off the bottom of the table on goal difference.
McClaren's only win came in the Capital One Cup second round against League Two Northampton and as he prepares for the third round clash with Sky Bet Championship Sheffield Wednesday on Wednesday evening, he is hoping disgruntled fans can remain patient.
He said: "The fans have been fantastic. Again, it is that kind of thing as a supporter with what's happened, blind faith is needed, a bit of blind faith and belief that we will eventually get it right, turn it around and win some games.
"We need that from the club as a whole."
The Magpies' less than impressive start to life under McClaren has prompted scathing responses from some pundits, among them Gary Neville, Jamie Carragher and former Newcastle skipper Alan Shearer.
However, while keeping his own counsel on their views, the 54-year-old is confident things will turn sooner rather than later.
He said: "As usual, some have come up with interesting comments. Some are valid, some are not.
"I respect the people who are criticising, but we know what is going on, we don't need to be told. We know.
"We know what we have to do and we know the solutions."
McClaren will make a series of late checks before naming his team.
Full-back Massadio Haidara and midfielder Jack Colback both have knocks which are being assessed, while striker Papiss Cisse has been ruled out with a back problem.
Fellow frontman Aleksandar Mitrovic completes his three-match ban, while goalkeeper Karl Darlow (ankle), defenders Steven Taylor and Paul Dummett (both hamstring) and midfielder Cheick Tiote (knee) are still out.
Wednesday will be without forward Fernando Forestieri but midfielder Sam Hutchinson returns to contention following suspension.
Forestieri is ineligible having already appeared for former club Watford in the competition and is also struggling with a hamstring problem sustained at the weekend.
Hutchinson missed Saturday's win against Fulham due to a one-game ban and could return to the starting line-up, while boss Carlos Carvalhal has confirmed there will be changes and that Lewis McGugan will play.
Fellow midfielder Lucas Joao is pushing for a place in the starting line-up and Sergiu Bus is also expected to return to the squad.
Source: PAR
