Monday 20 February 2017 18:59, UK
Jack Colback says Newcastle remain focused on their goal of automatic promotion as they prepare for an "important period" in their Sky Bet Championship season.
The Magpies host Aston Villa on Monday night, live on Sky Sports, in a clash between two sides in the Premier League last year.
While Newcastle's bid for an immediate return to the top flight is going well, Villa are closer to the relegation zone than the play-off places.
But Newcastle's credentials will be tested over the next few weeks as they travel to promotion rivals Brighton, Huddersfield and Reading in successive games.
"It's an important spell," Newcastle midfielder Colback told Sky Sports. "We have it all in our hands and we have deserved it so far, as we have been very consistent.
"We have had the odd setback which we have had to react to, but this is an important period where we have to be focused for every game. We are focused on what we need to do and we take each game as it comes."
Newcastle finished 18th in the Premier League last season with Villa rock bottom.
"It's a huge game to be at Championship level," says Colback. "To have a stadium like ours in the Championship is huge and it's always sold out.
"It does make it difficult at times because teams come and raise their game against us and they always want to do well. But it should make for a great game."
The match will see Colback go up against one his former managers in Steve Bruce, who gave the midfielder his first opportunity in the senior team at Sunderland in 2011.
"I will always be grateful for that and I enjoyed working with him," said Colback. "It was a good time for me working with Steve."
Bruce started brightly after taking charge at Villa in October but has found it tougher going recently.
Villa have not won in the league since Boxing Day, and are in danger of getting sucked into the relegation battle.
"There's no given right for any side to just get promoted," said Colback. "They are not doing as well as they would have hoped, but that shows the strength of the league and how difficult it is.
"We have seen that in games which we have found tough. But the difference is we have reacted better and managed to be more consistent."
Reflecting on Rafa Benitez's impact at Newcastle, Colback said: "Each manager has had different ways and techniques, and he has come in at a time when the club was on its knees.
"We have started to do better. We have been expected to win more games and that brings confidence around the team and the city.
"He's very thorough and gets his ideas across and we have followed that. It's a lot more positive than last season.
"The fans are happier because we are winning games and we are focused on getting back to the Premier League."
