‘It’s bad… but we will survive’

DEFIANT Rafa Benitez last night insisted rock-bottom Newcastle are down but not out after Brighton piled on the agony for his struggling side.

The Geordies have lost seven of their nine games so far and are winless since May but asked if he remained confident they will survive, Benitez replied: “Yes.”

But he admits confidence has taken a bashing.

“Everybody is a bit down now,” he said. “We have lost a game we deserved to win or at least get something.

“It is difficult to explain when you have these situations. The way we attack and control, we had the chances.

“I’ve said before it would be difficult and it is still difficult but it is a long-distance race.

“We have to keep going and make sure we maintain this level and score goals. I am still convinced.”

Brighton boss Chris Hughton (below) feared striker Glenn Murray had swallowed his tongue after a sickening aerial collision with Federico Fernandez before half-time.

Murray was taken to hospital for scans to his head but was later given the all-clear and discharged.

“Glenn is OK,” said a relieved Hughton. “There was a fear he had swallowed his tongue because of the reaction.

“When you see the players distressed like they were, it makes you more concerned.

“But he has had what was needed and everything is fine although he will be sore for a

while. “We will do what is appropriate this week.”