The Newcastle head coach believes his side will only get out of trouble if they focus on one game at a time and says they should be “crawling” off the field at St James’ Park.
McClaren has made it clear in team meetings that Newcastle can beat anybody in the Premier League if they are prepared to put their bodies on the line.
Players have been shown highlights of crucial interventions in games and examples of when they tracked back to prevent a chance for the opposition – or a goal.
tracked back to prevent a chance for the opposition – or a goal.
McClaren said: “You have to crawl off the field.
“Against Aston Villa we have to crawl off that field and run and run. We have to fight for 95 minutes.”
Back-to-back wins against Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool have also boosted belief in the Toon camp.
McClaren, who did not get carried away after the victories, said: “We’ve been saying that it is all about confidence and belief.
“The players have been showing that in the last two games.”
McClaren will have Cheick Tiote available for the game with Villa at St James’ Park.