Davide Santon: 'We must save our season'

Newcastle United defender Davide Santon has declared that the next three matches will prove vital in their bid to save a stuttering season.

The Toon play three homes games in the space of seven days, with a Europe League decider with Benfica sandwiched by Premier League matches against Fulham and Sunderland.

Santon has apologised for his mistake in Thursday's 3-1 defeat to Benfica and insisted that the Toon must focus all their energy on a crucial week ahead.

He told Sky Sports News: "When I passed the ball, I had Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa near me, so I couldn't see the striker. It was really annoying. When I got in the dressing room I said sorry to everybody, to all the players because it was my fault.

"Now we have to forget this game. I have to forget my mistake and think about Sunday, next week and score two against Benfica.

"We have to make sure against Fulham, and then against Sunderland, two games at home, we win them both. We need to make sure we save our season and that we stay in the Premier League."

Alan Pardew's side sit three points above the relegation zone in 15th place ahead of tomorrow's clash with Fulham.