Newcastle’s Carver put 50th birthday celebrations on hold

Staff at the club’s training ground yesterday presented Carver with a birthday cake before his pre-match Press conference.

But he won’t feel like raising a glass unless Newcastle, yet to win under his tenure, claim three points from tomorrow’s Premier League home game against Southampton.

“I’m not interested in anything like that – just give me three points,” said Carver.

The staff and players also had a belated Christmas dinner after the morning’s training session, which had to be held indoors because of the strong winds.

But Carver didn’t go for all the trimmings, he added: “I only had a bit of turkey.”

Carver, keen to take the job on full time, spoke passionately about the job in hand at his media briefing.

The club is 10th in the Premier League and eight points ahead of third-from-bottom Hull City.

But he refuted the suggestion that after two defeats and a draw that the Southampton game was a big fixture for “him”.

“Let me stop you there – I’m not interested in me,” said Carver.

“It’s a big game for the football club.

“We need to win, we need to get three points, so I’m not even thinking about me.

“I’m giving everything for this situation.

“If it comes off, great. If it doesn’t, at least I’ve done it right.

“The most important thing is the football club – the team.

“I’m not even worried about my situation.”