Smith confident of survival
04 Mar 2008 - 11:14:04
Newcastle United striker Alan Smith remains confident the Magpies will avoid relegation despite their recent dreadful run of form.
Saturday's home defeat to Blackburn Rovers left Kevin Keegan's side only three points clear of the relegation zone and they have failed to win any of their last 11 Premier League matches since beating Fulham 1-0 at Craven Cottage in mid-December.
Former Leeds and Manchester United star Smith insists: "It's a time where we have to stand up and be counted, go out in front of 52,000 people and prove our worth.
"We've got to show everyone that we want to fight for the cause. It's getting tight but you always knew it would. We looked at our home games as ones that were winnable and one was against Blackburn.
"We've deserved criticism on occasions this season and we're all big enough to accept that. It's up to us as a team, as players and as people, to sort that out.
"The more and more we work together, the more influence the manager is having.
"We're getting fitter and there's a camaraderie, and that's something the gaffer has emphasised since he came in. Everyone's playing for each other and that stands us in good stead."