DANNY Simpson has pledged that Newcastle United will come out fighting on Boxing Day – and confound their growing band of doubters.

United’s pre-Christmas slump has left them facing questions about whether they have enough to maintain their current status as Europa League challengers, as well as ramping up the anxiety around a festive trip to Bolton Wanderers.

But Simpson insists the team spirit that was the subject of so much discussion earlier in the campaign will stand them in good stead as they face the biggest challenge of the Alan Pardew era so far.

As for accusations that United are on the slide and are incapable of reversing their fortunes, the defender is certain they will be able to make a mockery of their critics. “Let them think that. It is not the case. We are a team that sticks together,” he said.

“I know we have not won for quite a few games now but we stick together. Wednesday is more disappointing than any of the last six games, to be honest.

“You can’t concede three goals at home to one of the teams that’s in and around you.

“But we’re fighters and I have no doubt that’s we’ll stick together, because that’s what we do.

“Everyone was disappointed but we spoke to each other about things and that’s the type of team we are, and the type of players we have got in the dressing room. The staff that we’ve got, we all stick together and it has been like that from day one, since the manager came.

“We go to Bolton away now determined to get a win.”