Jamaal Lascelles admits he has been a little bit irked by talk of Newcastle United needing to spend big money next summer to kick on.
The skipper feels that the current team should be allowed to grow next season and build on the success of two stable years in the Premier League.
Lascellles has come on leaps and bounds under Rafa Benitez since being handed the captain's armband three years ago .
But when asked if there was still room for improvement, he told the Chronicle: "We know we can get better.
"That doesn’t mean by signing players, it just means by keeping on listening and learning from the manager.
"We’re still getting to know the league really, not that many players have played that much Premier League football.
"When we gain a bit more experience, we’ll get better.
"We still need to get a bit more savvy and streetwise on the pitch."
And Lascelles insists that while Newcastle are in the bottom half with four games left they have been unlucky at times this term.
He said: "There have been some games we’ve lost through fine margins, and it hasn’t been because of a lack of quality or work ethic.
"If we’re winning, it’s maybe been because we haven’t got the ball in the corner or committed a little foul at a crucial moment.
"When we’ve got a bit more experience of the Premier League, I think that will be a big difference.
"Everything that goes on is through the manager, and we can only thank him for what he’s done for us.
" Since he’s been here, everything’s been positive and on the rise.
"As players, he’s been massive for us."
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