Carver to impose media blackout

Newcastle boss John Carver will impose a media blackout on his players ahead of the final game of the season.

Saturday's 2-1 defeat away to already-relegated QPR means Newcastle will go into their last game of the season, at home to West Ham, requiring a victory to make certain of their top-flight status.

The Magpies are just two points clear of third from bottom Hull City, who play at home to Manchester United in their final fixture.

Carver believes it is imperative the Newcastle players ignore all media coverage of their relegation fight if they are to remain fully focused on the task in hand.

"I'll tell the players to keep away from the TV and going online, to keep them focused on preparation," said Carver.

"If you take your eye off the ball you get punished, and we've got to keep our focus sharp.

"It's still in our hands, and if you want it enough then you can do something about it.

"We've got a week to get our heads around this situation."

Carver admitted the weight of expectation could have contributed to Saturday's defeat by QPR as Newcastle threw away a lead and missed the chance to secure their Premier League place a week early.

"I've tried everything in the book I think," said Carver.

"Sometimes the quality's not there, you're just not good enough, and Saturday might have been that situation.

"Pressure's a funny thing, but now we have to control it."