Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley has insisted that he will not walk away from the club even if they are relegated from the Premier League this season.

The Magpies are currently 19th in the table, three points adrift of safety with just eight games of the campaign remaining following their draw with arch-rivals Sunderland on Sunday.

Former Liverpool, Chelsea and Real Madrid manager Rafael Benitez has been charged with keeping the club in the division, and Ashley believes that they have the right man for the job.

Asked if he would stick with the club in the event of relegation, Ashley told reporters: "Yes, I think I've got no choice. I'm wedded to Newcastle, like Sports Direct. They have got me and I have got them, that's just the way it is.

"I think we have the right man in the job. If there's any chance of us staying up, let's hope Rafa can do the business and keep us up there."

Newcastle, who have already been relegated once in Ashley's tenure at the club, return to action against relegation rivals Norwich City after the international break.