Eddie Howe insists that there is no bad blood within his Newcastle United squad - despite being forced to axe three first-team players following his January shopping spree.
It's now or never for Howe and his squad with a potential eight victories required from the final 17 matches, factor in trips to Man City, Tottenham and Chelsea during the run-in and the margin for error is small.
Howe though has reiterated his belief in the group of players he has at his disposal between now and May.
United have struggled in the past with unhappy players behind the scenes after they failed to find clubs with Henri Saivet, Jack Colback and Christian Atsu all left disappointed when previous squads were named.
Howe has not taken the hard-line approach that saw Saivet, Achraf Lazaar and Colback find themselves dropped down to train with the reserves and instead believes Ciaran Clark, Isaac Hayden and Jamal Lewis will stay tuned in to the objectives of the club between now and May.
Howe told Chronicle Live: "I don't think we will have that problem (unhappy players).
"I always say to the players I will show them respect by trying to be as honest as I can in each situation, and all we ask back is the same respect.
"If we get that from each other the relationship will be fine.
"Training performances are very important and I take training very seriously.
"So as long as the training levels are very high I don't see any problems with the lads.
"I have got to say the players' attitudes have been first class - even in disappointment.
"They have been very good.
"I can't speak highly enough of the individual players I have had to deal with."
Howe confirmed that Hayden is not expected back until April hence a tight call not to include him in his 25-man squad while Lewis is also undergoing treatment.
