Papiss Cisse has claimed that Newcastle United need their fans more than ever ahead of Sunday's vital Premier League clash with West Ham United at St James' Park.

The Magpies will be relegated if they fail to beat the Hammers and Hull City manage to claim victory over Manchester United, and with another protest against owner Mike Ashley expected after the game, Cisse insists that the squad are fully aware just how important the match is to the supporters.

"I know 100% that the players need the fans. We need them more than ever – we need their help to stay in the division," the Senegalese forward told The Mirror.

"We've got four or five players here from the last time this team was relegated. They know what it feels like - horrible. We're in this situation, we've got to deal with it. I feel like we've got to win. If we do that, we take care of our own business."

Newcastle have not won a game since beating Aston Villa on the final day of February.