Former Newcastle United manager Kevin Keegan has claimed that the players are fully behind current boss Alan Pardew following their recent upturn in fortunes.

Pardew's position had been under the spotlight after a disastrous start to the season for the Magpies, but four consecutive victories have brought renewed optimism to St James' Park.

Keegan believes that Newcastle's improved form is down to the squad wanting to play for the under-fire Pardew.

"He has been under pressure for a long time, since Christmas at least. They've persevered with him for whatever reason, and that's worked out to their advantage," he is quoted as saying by Sky Sports News.

"The one thing that's obvious is that the team's behind him: you don't go to places like Tottenham and Man City and win, or Liverpool at home when they desperately needed a result, without having great team spirit. So that's what Alan's got, he's got a lot of character."

Newcastle are back in action on Sunday when they travel to West Bromwich Albion in the Premier League.