Duff warns of relegation dogfight ahead for Magpies

Newcastle winger Damien Duff insists his team-mates and fans must accept that the first target for the season is to ensure Barclays Premier League survival.

A 4-1 defeat away to Aston Villa on Saturday left the Magpies just six points above the drop zone, and the Republic of Ireland international admits there is cause for concern.

"We are in a fight. We have got a tough run-in and need to start picking up points because we haven't done it of late," he told the club's official website www.nufc.co.uk.

"Relegation hasn't been mentioned in team-talks because we are trying to stay positive.

"But anyone who has got half a brain can see we need to pick up points, and the sooner the better."

Newcastle do not play again now until February 23 and Duff insists: "We have got a lot of work to do. We are way off what Newcastle United expects.

"It's probably a good thing we haven't got a game as it gives us two weeks to work on the training ground."