Magpies' boss Bobby Robson has admitted ahead of today's game with West Ham that many of his under-performing stars are playing for their Newcastle places.

Some of his squad have just seven games to persuade him they are worthy of futures at St James' Park, with Robson growing increasingly unhappy at his team's failure to perform at a consistent level.

The year began with a fight for a European spot, but has rapidly descended towards a battle against relegation.

Injuries to key players Alan Shearer, Kieron Dyer and Nicos Dabizas have taken their toll, but since winning at Leeds United on January 20, Newcastle have picked up just two points from a possible 21, and their abysmal record of failing to keep a clean sheet has now reached 27 games.

The manager is set to ring the changes today, and many of his squad who fail to produce the goods in the league run-in could spend the summer sweating over their Tyneside futures.

When quizzed on whether some players were playing for their Newcastle places, Robson said: "Yes, I don't think there's any doubt about that.

"The players have to fight for us to get some points between now and the end of the season.

"The season isn't over yet, we're on a depressing run - it's a sad run.

"We didn't deserve to lose today but we have. We deserved to win at Bradford but we didn't.

"We need one victory and that would provide a cushion."

Newcastle go into today's game with Rob Lee a major doubt after aggravating a knee injury.

Robson revealed his influential midfielder has been carrying a knee injury for the last few weeks, and his season is hanging in the balance.

"He's got a knee which is causing him problems," said Robson.

"He's had a two-week break since the last time we played. He felt fine against Bradford but since then he's had one or two twinges and he's not finished one or two training sessions when it's been quite painful for him and a bit sore.

"He has got a slight knee problem which is probably deteriorating and we have to take a look at it. We've had to ice it at half time and things like that.

"He's a big player and I thought he played splendidly today so that's alright."

But with Middlesbrough coming up fast on Newcastle's shoulder, Robson is aware the pressure on Newcastle to pull away from the relegation pack is growing.

Read more about Newcastle FC here.