Benitez keeps his Magpies grounded

RAFA BENITEZ has revealed he’s not looking up the table but over his shoulder, despite Newcastle’s impressive start to the season, underlined by two goals from Jamaal Lascelles (left) in the win over Stoke last week.

With Newcastle at Brighton today, Benitez has more immediate aims before any thoughts of helping to recreate the Champions League nights of yesteryear. He said: ‘People are talking about the Champions League and all these things, but we are realistic.

‘We have been called the surprise package so far but we know it’s a matter of time before we lose some games.

‘But if we can delay that as long as we can, all the better. I think we can compete against anyone, and it’s important to try to keep the momentum we’ve got.

‘The message has to remain the same: keep going, and keep working hard. We know our potential.’