Alan Smith

Newcastle United striker Alan Smith has urged his team-mates to start showing their mettle after Saturday's 1-0 defeat by Blackburn.

The Magpies are without a win in seven games and now sit just three points clear of the relegation zone.

Smith told BBC Radio Newcastle: "It is a time where we have to stand up and be counted, go out in front of 52,000 people and prove our worth.

"We've got to show to everyone that we want to fight for the cause."

The 27-year-old has already experienced relegation during his career, with Leeds United in 2004, and is aware of how quickly Newcastle could be sucked in if results do not improve.

He said: "It's getting tight but you always knew it would do. We looked at our home games as ones that were winnable, and one was against Blackburn.

"We've deserved criticism on occasions this season and we're all big enough to accept that.

"It's up to us as a team, as players, and as people to sort that out."