AN HONEST Robbie Elliott has warned Newcastle fans not to expect 'fantasy football' as the Magpies come to terms with life in the bottom half of the Premiership.

Newcastle's depressing run of one win in eight league games has led to them falling to 13th, a worse position than when Graeme Souness took over in September.

Sunday's 3-1 defeat at Liverpool, when the defence capitulated after taking the lead through Patrick Kluivert, was a further blow to the Newcastle's chances of finishing in the top six.

They are now just seven points above a relegation place with a tricky trip to Blackburn, Souness' old employers, and a date with champions Arsenal at St James' Park next on the horizon.

Elliott was part of the famous Kevin Keegan team of the 90s that attacked with little thought of defending, a period that has left supporters of the club still demanding exciting and entertaining football.

But the 30-year-old, who celebrates his birthday on Christmas Day, believes that sort of football will, at least for the time being, have to become a thing of the past as Newcastle try to climb back into the upper echelons of the top-flight.

"Now is the time to start fighting for Newcastle United. It's not a time for the attacking, fantasy football which we've seen in the past," said Elliott. "We know that we're in a position where we will have to grind out results and give up the good stuff.

"Whatever it takes we have to turn the tables. Somehow we have to rediscover our confidence. After the Liverpool match we had a good talk and people are seeing things more clearly. We understand what has to be done."

Newcastle have conceded eight goals in their last three league games, having shipped four at Chelsea, one against Portsmouth and the three at Liverpool.

Elliott, being played at centre-back with Souness so bereft of defensive cover, has felt the frustrating run of poor results as much as anyone.

"Chelsea and Liverpool away are always tough fixtures at whatever time of year. Those games didn't come at the best of times but we must look forward," he said.

"Blackburn is suddenly a critical fixture. It was always a huge game for the manager but it's a massive match for all of the players at this club. Now, more than ever, we need to take three points."

Under Sir Bobby Robson, Elliott was always a peripheral squad figure but under Souness he has played a bigger part and only injury has restricted his number of appearances this season.

The former Bolton man's place might be under threat once new signings are made, with Newcastle aiming to add two new defenders to their ranks in January.

Rangers' Jean-Alain Boumsong is top of Souness' list of targets, while he is examining other possibilities at home and abroad.

But Elliott insists he is refusing to worry about what new arrivals will mean for his own future. He said: "For as long as I have been a Newcastle player people have always talked about new defenders coming in and changes at the back.

"It's part and parcel of playing here. I know what has been said but it doesn't affect you when you're in the team."

Winger Laurent Robert was last night linked with a move to Atletico Madrid in the New Year.

The Frenchman has been axed from Souness' starting line-up and was introduced as a substitute in the second half at Liverpool. Atletico sports director Toni Munoz and scout Manuel Garcia Quilon were at Anfield to cast an eye over the enigmatic Robert.

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