Newcastle United head coach Steve McClaren has described Saturday evening's Premier League draw with Aston Villa as "frustrating" as he looks ahead to the Boxing Day match at home to Everton.

Rockbottom Villa were the last team to visit St James' Park and Remi Garde's men were able to hold the Magpies to a 1-1 stalemate, despite the hosts having beaten Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur in their previous two games.

"The draw was frustrating," McClaren told reporters. "We'd have taken seven points before the Liverpool game but it's gone now and we move on to Everton.

"They are tough opponents; a very good team. They have great balance and Roberto Martinez has done a terrific job."

McClaren also revealed at his pre-match press conference that striker Papiss Cisse was a doubt for the Toffees' visit after he was forced off with a groin injury against Villa.

Newcastle go into the full programme of fixtures on Boxing Day a place and two points above the drop zone after 17 games of the season.