The only way is up, insists Hughton as Newcastle plot fight for survival

Newcastle's caretaker boss Chris Hughton believes falling into the bottom three of the Premier League could be the shock Newcastle's players need to guide them away from relegation.Saturday's defeat to Arsenal saw Newcastle fall into the relegation zone for the first time since November and when they return from the international break, Hughton's side face Chelsea at home.The Newcastle number two, who is in charge until Joe Kinnear's return, conceded that Newcastle's fall down the table has not come as a great surprise at the club. Aiming high: Newcastle's Sebastian Bassong takes on Nicklas BendtnerBut he says the shock of finding themselves playing catch-up in the fight for survival could be the wake-up call Newcastle need.Hughton said: `I think that there's always a different feel when you're in that bottom three - that is the defining line.`We've known for a while this will be a tough end to the season - certainly if we didn't get results. But I think it's right to say that it does focus your mind.`I think for those that didn't realise it's going to be a tough end to the season, they certainly realise now.' Toon big to go down? Don't bet on it - Newcastle face going the way of Man City, Forest and LeedsNational service leaves Premier League bosses with a nervy wait and deserted training pitchesNEWCASTLE FC NEWS FROM ACROSS THE NET  

Source: Daily_Mail