Keith Gillespie hits out at Newcastle United players

Former Newcastle United winger Keith Gillespie has branded the team's recent performances "a joke".

Saturday's 3-2 defeat at home to Swansea City was the seventh loss on the bounce for John Carver's men, who are now only five points above the relegation zone.

Such form has earned interim boss Carver plenty of criticism, but Gillespie has instead rounded on the players.

"As for Newcastle their play of late is a joke! Players need to seriously look at themselves. Attitude not good enough," tweeted the Northern Irishman.

Next up for Newcastle is a trip to in-form Leicester City on Saturday afternoon.