SEBASTIEN Bassong has promised Newcastle will not give up hope of escaping relegation after passing up a golden opportunity to ease their plight.

The Magpies went into last night's home clash with Portsmouth believing a win and further victories at home to Middlesbrough and Fulham could secure their top-flight status.

However, 90 frustrating minutes later they trudged off the pitch after a 0-0 draw having allowed chances to go begging, but also seeing Pompey miss their own opportunities and be denied a penalty.

Newcastle now face a trip to Liverpool on Sunday, where few would give them any chance of returning with a positive result after their 5-1 drubbing by the Reds on Tyneside in December.

But Bassong for one is refusing to throw in the towel.

He said: "We are disappointed because we needed a win. Everyone knows the situation and if we dont win our home games then it will be really hard to stay up.

Now we have drawn, so it will be harder. But we believe, and we will keep playing.

"I can understand that the fans are very worried. The situation is not the best. I can just say to them to stay behind us, because we need them.

"Without them, we will have already lost, so if they stay behind us we will try to give the maximum to stay up. It will be easier with them."

Full story in tomorrow's The Northern Echo