Souness: We're in a scrap

Newcastle manager Graeme Souness admitted that his side had been dragged into a relegation scrap after their 3-0 defeat at Manchester City.

United failed to test City keeper David James all night, while City scored through Albert Riera, Andy Cole and Darius Vassell to secure a comfortable win.

Souness' brief was to qualify for the Champions League, but he has seen his side take only one point from their last six games and they are now six points clear of the relegation zone with a must-win game against Portsmouth looming.

"I cannot defend our recent form, it is not good enough," said Souness, who felt that the partnership of Cole and Vassell was the major difference between the two sides.

"We are in a relegation scrap. That is a fact and I cannot deny it. But this is no time to feel sorry for ourselves, we have to stand up and show what we are
made of."

Souness believes the midfield partnership of Emre and Scott Parker will take a little time to get back into their stride after recently returning from injury.

But he did hint at a return for England international Kieron Dyer at the weekend - a welcome piece of good news for Toon fans who have seen their side suffer since losing Michael Owen to a broken foot.

"We are badly lacking pace in the team at present," said Souness. "Kieron will give us that."