Toon Can Find Winning Habit

Jan 6 2008

Stoke V Newcastle

NEWCASTLE defender Habib Beye is confident his side can ease the pressure on boss Sam Allardyce by avoiding a shock FA Cup defeat.

A tricky third-round trip to Stoke is the last thing Big Sam needs after a run of three straight defeats.

But Senegal star Beye is sure the Magpies will bounce back after coming through another bad time at old club Marseille two seasons ago.

The right-back said: "We got through it and Marseille finished second the next year. You have to work together."

Fit-again Michael Owen could be the Toon saviour and Stoke boss Tony Pulis admitted: "He will be raring to make up for lost time. Michael needs no second invitation in front of goal."