Newcastle United midfielder Jack Colback has played down reports of a training ground bust-up ahead of his side's clash against Liverpool on Sunday.

The Magpies have lost back-to-back matches in the Premier League following heavy defeats to Leicester City and Crystal Palace, and manager Steve McClaren revealed that training sessions had become "feisty" as a result of his side's poor form.

However, Colback has insisted that the arguments are due to the competitive nature of the squad and their desire to improve the club's position in the table.

He told Sky Sports News: "Training is always competitive. If that was a bust-up, then I wouldn't like to see a proper bust-up. Players argue in training and have a go at decisions because we want to win and we care.

"If it wasn't like that, it would be an issue, really. The players always want to win games. A lack of belief is different to a lack of fight and wanting to win.

"We go into games wanting to win, but we go behind and that belief goes. We have to start being a lot harder to beat and pick up points."

Newcastle are 18th in the Premier League ahead of their match against Liverpool at St James' Park.