Nolan can help us rediscover success

Mar 12 2009 by Stephen Brown, The Journal

“They are the games we have to get something from and that was the most disappointing thing. We were as disappointed with the performance in that game as we were pleased with the one against Manchester United.

“We were very close to getting something from that game and we have to maintain those standards but get three points from those games.”

That process must begin on Saturday, in a game Newcastle keeper Steve Harper has described as “the biggest in the club’s recent history”.

“We know how big this game is,” Harper said. “Make no mistake, this really is a relegation six-pointer. I said last year before the game against Birmingham at exactly the same stage of the season that it was the biggest game in the club’s recent history.

“Thankfully that night we got a draw which kick-started a run of seven games unbeaten which ultimately kept us up.

“And I’ve got no problem about saying this game at Hull is just as big. We need the three points. You don’t get these games back.

“I look at the table and it doesn’t lie, we really are in the thick of it.

“A good result at Hull though could act as a catalyst and we need to come out and show some real character.

“We have got to produce a performance like that against Man United last week. If we do that then I’m confident we’ll get a result.” Meanwhile, United striker Andy Carroll’s return from injury has been followed by the near instant reward of an international call-up.

The 20-year-old missed his side’s games against West Brom, Everton and Bolton with an ankle knock, before returning as a substitute in last week’s defeat to Manchester United.

And Carroll – who has four goals in eight appearances for the England Under-19 side – has now been selected in Noel Blake’s Under-20 squad for the forthcoming friendly against Italy.