Steve McClaren: 'Win over West Bromwich Albion was imperative'

Newcastle United manager Steve McClaren has admitted that his side could not have afforded to drop points against West Bromwich Albion after dominating the fixture at St James' Park.

A first-half effort from Aleksandar Mitrovic secured maximum points for the Magpies, but McClaren has acknowledged that his side should have wrapped up the win long before the full-time whistle.

The 54-year-old told BBC Sport: "It was imperative that we won the game. The game shouldn't have been close at the end. We had so many chances in those last 10 minutes.

"We also kept a clean sheet, and there was some great attacking play. And a great atmosphere from the crowd. If we continue to play like that and create, we'll be okay."

The win for Newcastle has taken them outside of the Premier League relegation zone.