Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew has admitted that his players are "struggling" in the Premier League, but insists that this weekend's clash against Leicester City could prove to be the turning point.

The Magpies are without a win in their opening seven games of the season, which has led to continuous pressure mounting on Pardew.

Despite this, the 53-year-old says that the club have been working hard to improve over the two-week international break, ahead of the visit of Nigel Pearson's side.

"I've managed at three of the levels and they have all presented different challenges – which I've enjoyed," Pardew is quoted as saying by The Northern Echo. "As a manager you have real ups and downs – there is euphoria and some real dark days, which I've had recently here.

"You have to try to show a consistency in what you do. It's not really a time for reflection for me this week, because Leicester is so important for this football club. All I'm focused on is getting the win we need for this city and the club.

"You have to try to improve. At the moment, the team is struggling. I need to use all of my resources to try to improve it. We've worked hard this week, particularly with the players who have stayed here to try to get them to a level where they're ready to start."

Newcastle are currently sitting in 18th place in the Premier League table.