Rafael Benitez "optimistic" ahead of second half of the season

Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez has backed his side to enjoy a strong second half to the season as they look to earn a return to the Premier League.

The Magpies have slipped to second place in the Championship table over the Christmas period after their defeat to Sheffield Wednesday, but Benitez remains confident that his team can maintain their spot in the automatic promotion places.

The 56-year-old told The Chronicle: "I am really optimistic. We started the season losing two games and still I was confident. Even now, we are second and I am quite happy with the team.

"We are working trying to find something in January and have a lot of games to play with a good squad. The atmosphere is still fantastic in the training sessions so there are a lot of positives. Normally my teams finish the season well so I have confidence that we'll do well."

Newcastle are back in action when they host Nottingham Forest on Friday night.