Newcastle United captain Fabricio Coloccini has insisted that he and his teammates are not lacking any drive following a number of disappointing results.

The Magpies managed to end a run of four games without a win when they clinched a dramatic late 1-0 victory over Aston Villa on Sunday.

"People might say there is not a lot to play for in the rest of the season, but that is not correct," the Northern Echo quotes Coloccini as saying. "It is never a problem to get motivated when you are playing for a club like this.

"All of us in the dressing room know about Newcastle's history, and we know we are playing for one of the biggest clubs in the country. That is what we are fighting for when we go on the pitch.

"We know we have been in some bad times. It has not been easy for the fans or the whole of the city. The mood has been a little bit sad because of some bad results, so we knew the game against Aston Villa was going to be a massive one, and the three points are very important for us."

The North-East outfit are currently eighth in the Premier League table.