Hayden says cool heads are key in crucial

ISAAC HAYDEN has demanded that Newcastle avoid a “pit of negativity” as they battle back from Matt Ritchie’s bust-up with Steve Bruce.

Midfielder Hayden (left) will lead the Geordies into a crucial relegation battle against former Toon boss Sam Allardyce’s West Brom side today calling for a “calm, level-headed” attitude to be restored.

Hayden says Bruce’s men are well aware of the plight they are in, just three points ahead of third-bottom Fulham after a dismal run of two wins in 17 games.

Bruce patched up a training ground row with midfielder Ritchie last week and is refusing to give up on his reign at Newcastle despite widespread opposition from fans.

Hayden said: “This is our time now. We’re not going to be judged by our formation against Man

United or Chelsea. We’re going to be judged by West Brom, Villa and Brighton. Those games are crucial.

“It’s about calm, level-headed – not too happy and not too low. It is about being stable and focused and believing in yourself.

“Would Fulham rather be in our position or in Fulham’s position? We’ve got three points more than them. They’d rather be us.

“They have to win games to catch

WEST BROM defender Dara O’shea goes into today’s showdown with Newcastle thankful for a non-league wake-up call earlier in his career.

The Republic of Ireland international, who turned 22 on Thursday, was loaned to Hereford three years ago and said: “It was an eye-opener – up against old, seasoned professionals in the later stages of their careers.

“I was defending a free-kick and the next thing you know I got a swift elbow to the face.

“I realised I had to toughen up and get stuck in, otherwise I’d be eaten alive.”