Exclusive – Newcastle will survive in the Premier League under Steve McClaren, says Kieron Dyer

Kieron Dyer has thrown his backing behind Newcastle United boss Steve McClaren.

With a huge game against fellow strugglers Aston Villa on Saturday, confidence will be soaring after back-to-back wins propelled them to 15th in the Premier League.

McClaren, who failed to win any of his opening nine games, knows the pressure will be back on him if the Magpies fail to beat the bottom side.

But, after watching their impressive 2-1 win at White Hart Lane on Sunday, Dyer believes the club is in safe hands with the ex-England boss at the helm.

'I’ve said numerous times that Steve McClaren was one of the best coaches I’ve ever come across," said the former Toon star, speaking on the Alan Brazil Sports Breakfast.

"His sessions were magnificent so if he keeps getting his ideas across the training pitch, Newcastle will be safe.

"Newcastle would have crumbled early on in the season in after that first half [against Tottenham], but they regrouped."

Having played in front of the St James' Park faithful, Dyer is all too aware of the pressure that McClaren is under.

Nevertheless, he saw enough from their performance against Spurs to know McClaren is having a positive effect on his team.

"With Newcastle, you're only two games away from crisis," Dyer said. "Tottenham could have been out of sight in that first half, but they showed some battling qualities.

"Villa is a massive game, obviously we’re talking about six pointers and it’s not even Christmas yet. If they win that it’s three on the trot."