Rafael Benitez: 'Newcastle United players believe in survival'

Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez has insisted that his side believe they will avoid relegation from the Premier League this season.

The Magpies breathed new life into their survival bid this afternoon with a 3-0 victory over Swansea City, ending a seven-match winless streak with their first triumph under Benitez.

The gap to safety is now just three points, while Newcastle also have a game in hand over 17th-placed Norwich City, and Benitez acknowledged that it was a big step towards safety.

When asked what the atmosphere in the dressing room was like after the game, Benitez told reporters: "Obviously much better. Everybody was happy and I think they are now thinking that we can do it and they believe.

"They have this feeling, like all the fans watching the team working as hard as today, everybody thinks we can do it. That's the main thing.

"As I have said a lot of times, we will fight until the end, but now we are closer and it will be easier for me to give this speech."

Newcastle face Manchester City and Liverpool in their next two games.