Newcastle United manager Steve McClaren has admitted that he is hopeful his side can use victory over Liverpool to put a run of wins together.

The Magpies clawed themselves closer to Premier League safety by picking up a well-fought 2-0 triumph over a resurgent Reds side at St James' Park.

Having seen his team fail to win back-to-back games all season, McClaren is now eager to keep the momentum going when making the trip to face Tottenham Hotspur next weekend.

Speaking to Sky Sports News, the under-fire boss said: "You have to work and you have to work really hard - crawl back into the dressing room. We have to maintain that. We grew into the game, you could see our lack of confidence at the start.

"But I thought we deserved to win. The players care and there is desire – you saw that today. What we've been through they will learn from that. We said at half time, even the supporters are gradually growing into the game. There's always a plan, when you lose the plan goes wrong.

"We talked about the work-rate, we kept compact and when you keep your discipline you get results. We've come to this position about three times when you think the penny has dropped. And again you'd like to say this is the beginning. For 24 hours we will enjoy it and get back to work."

United, who have now won two of their last six league games, find themselves level on points with Bournemouth and Norwich City in 18th place.