Alan Pardew admits struggles

Newcastle United boss Alan Pardew has admitted that his players "are struggling for a bit of confidence" after their poor run in the Premier League continued.

The 2-0 defeat to Southampton on Sunday left the Magpies 14th in the table, having picked up just six points from the last 24 on offer.

"For sure - there's no doubt about that. We are really having to fight. We have got players, let's be honest, who aren't playing as well as we know they can. We are struggling for a bit of confidence," he told reporters.

Newcastle return to domestic action away to Stoke City on Wednesday.