Sean Longstaff has revealed how the Newcastle United players are dealing with critics after poor Christmas run-in - by ignoring it.
The midfielder, who himself drew criticism for an error filled performance against Manchester United on Boxing Day, accepts the club need to improve but says the players are trying their best avoid being impacted by the critics.
Speaking ahead of the FA Cup tie with Rochdale, Longstaff said: "It has been [a tough time]but we try not to let in.
"I imagine everything around the club is back to doom and gloom again, and people are quick to jump on the negatives - so for us it's about going to Rochdale and producing the performance and result where we can get back on track.
"We try to ignore everything and stay on an even keel and carry on really."
Longstaff is likely to start against Rochdale in the Third Round as Magpies head coach Steve Bruce does his best to send out a strong starting XI with his squad hit by injuries.
Several youngsters have travelled with the first team, and may get their first team debut in-front of thousand of travelling fans.
Longstaff is full of praise for those making the journey, and is well aware of the task ahead come kick-off.
"We know it's a big game, it's Wolves in the league after that so we want to be going into that with a bit of confidence but we're not looking past tomorrow.
"We know what a tough test it will be, we have to go there and do all the little things, and hopefully a little bit of quality will win us the game.
"It'll be like a home game really - a see of black and white, it'll be amazing.
"They are the best in the country.
"We've got to give them something to get behind, something to back.
"When we do that, that's when they are the best and there is no one we'd rather play in front of."
