John Carver: 'Sam Allardyce's West Ham United won't lie down'

Newcastle United boss John Carver has dismissed suggestions that West Ham United will roll over when former Magpies boss Sam Allardyce returns to St James' Park on Sunday.

Carver's side go into the final day knowing that defeat could potentially see them relegated from the Premier League, depending on results elsewhere.

Allardyce was sacked by Newcastle during a tumultuous eight-month spell in 2008, and Carver is adamant that the Hammers will be up for the contest despite little being at stake for them.

"No matter who it is - and I know Sam has been the manager here and Neil McDonald is at the club, who is a good friend of mine - you want to win games," he told reporters.

"No matter who you're playing against, and even when people are saying there's nothing at stake, you still want to win. Your pride tells you that. This weekend is going to be no different.

"But I'm not bothered about what he's thinking or who is coming here. I'm just bothered about us, I really am. I've not spoken to anyone. Neil has sent me a text, but I've not even replied to him. He's my mate, but I'm not interested in West Ham United and Sam."

Newcastle, who sit two points clear of 18th-placed Hull City, need to pick up a first win in 11 games to guarantee safety.