PREMIER LEAGUE

that, spent sensibly, is what Benitez is after.

The pair were at St James’ Park for the opening day defeat but didn’t meet, however there seemed to be good cheer on show yesterday as

Benitez and his stars were in their element playing to the crowd.

Newcastle face fellow promoted side Huddersfield on Sunday in need of their first goal and early points following their 2-0 defeat to Tottenham. The players all admitted yesterday that staying in the top flight is their first aim. Ritchie (left) said: “There is no panic. The manager wants us to stay focused – and one of the manager’s biggest strengths is that he never panics.

“That spreads throughout the group, the group are very calm and we go focused to Huddersfield. I don’t think we’re going to struggle. I think every game is going to be tough, don’t get me wrong, but we’ve got positivity throughout the group.

“Hopefully we can continue to work as we did on Sunday, especially first-half when we sort of had control of the game.

“The manager stresses to keep on an even keel whether you’ve won or lost.

“We’ve got a young group and it’s important for us not to get ahead of ourselves if we get good results, and not to worry too much if we don’t pick up the results we want.

“We lost our first two games last season and there was no panic. I’m not saying that’s going to happen again but whatever happens there’ll be no panic.”

Toon lost to Spurs with Jonjo Shelvey sent off and suspended for three games, although Newcastle beat Huddersfield last season on the way to becoming Championship champions. However, Huddersfield are on a high after winning their opener against Crystal Palace 3-0. Ritchie said: “That can work both ways. They can be very confident and underestimate us, although I’m sure they won’t. “They’re a hungry group of lads and a very good team – we’re very wary of them and we’ve looked at their strengths and weaknesses and will look to do our job and put in a good performance. “We can’t afford to think of Huddersfield as struggling this season. Last season they were a very good side and this season as well they’ve strengthened. “At this level, they’re all massive games every week. They’re fighting to stay in the Premier League, as are many teams, and that’s our challenge this year – to make sure we maintain our status. “It’s nice to be back in the Premier League, the big difference of course is the speed on the ball and the quality you’re facing.

“You might get away with a mistake or two in the Championship, but here they get punished.”