Gouffran: Newcastle United must defeat Norwich City

Newcastle United's Yoan Gouffran (left) celebrates scoring his sides first goal of the game during the Barclays Premier League match at St James' Park, Newcastle. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Saturday January 17, 2015. See PA story SOCCER Newcastle. Picture credit should read: Richard Sellers/PA Wire. RESTRICTIONS: Editorial use only. Maximum 45 images during a match. No video emulation or promotion as 'live'. No use in games, competitions, merchandise, betting or single club/player services. No use with unofficial audio, video, data, fixtures or club/league logos.

Yoan Gouffran says Newcastle United need to do more than just make a point against Norwich City.

The club is bottom of the Premier League with eight games played.

And Steve McClaren’s winless and injury-hit side are among the favourites to be relegated this season.

Newcastle, hammered 6-1 before the international break by Manchester City, are already five points adrift of safety, and Gouffran – who started at the Etihad Stadium – believes a draw against 13th-placed Norwich City on Sunday won’t be good enough.

“We have to win against Norwich – not a draw,” said Gouffran.

United led against City, but they were blown away after the break.

But Gouffran – who was fielded as a makeshift defensive midfielder against Manuel Pellegrini’s side with Jack Colback sidelined with an injury – insists the players are still confident they can turn it round.

“The confidence is still there, but we have to show it for not only one half,” said the 29-year-old.

“We can’t give up. We have to play like we did in the first half for all the game.

“If we do that, I think we can win.”

Meanwhile, Newcastle pair Alex Gilliead and Macaulay Gillesphey have extended their respective loan spells at League Two Carlisle United until the end of the season after impressing at Brunton Park.

l South Shields Mags are running a coach from the Lord Ashley pub, Stanhope Road, South Shields, to the game against Sunderland on October 15. To book a seat, call Dean 07403 181 808 or Peter 07598 434 108.