Toon defuse panic talk

Newcastle boss Alan Pardew has told his players not to be afraid of taking risks as they attempt to drag themselves out of a depressing slump.

The injury-hit Magpies head for Stoke tonight desperate to avoid a fourth successive Premier League defeat amid a run which has severely dented their hopes of matching last season’s top-five finish.

The loss of central defender Steven Taylor and midfielder Yohan Cabaye until February has significantly extended an already lengthy casualty list and darkened the clouds hanging over St James’ Park.