Alex Neil insists confidence is high as Norwich look to remain in Premier League
Friday 1 April 2016 17:16, UK
Alex Neil insists Norwich have no reason to believe they cannot avoid relegation from the Premier League this season.
The Canaries are 17th in the table, ahead of Saturday's crucial clash with relegation-rivals Newcastle at Carrow Road.
Neil watched his side end a run of 11 games without a win, by defeating West Brom in their last league outing, and the Norwich boss remains confident that the team can secure their place in the top division for another year.
"It's a big game for us. We need to make sure we put in a performance we know we can, but more importantly we need three points," said Neil.
"We've always been confident that we can stay in this league and nothing so far has convinced us otherwise.
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"We're all fighting tooth and nail together to put us in the best position we can. There are some big home games coming up."
Saturday's opponents Newcastle are just three points behind Norwich, and also have a game in hand over Neil's side.
The goal difference between Norwich and Newcastle is just four in the Canaries' favour, so a big win for the Toon on Saturday, or indeed a Sunderland win over West Brom could potentially see Neil's side drop into the bottom three.
We've always been confident that we can stay in this league and nothing so far has convinced us otherwise.
Norwich face fellow relegation-threatened Crystal Palace and Sunderland in their following two matches, and Neil thinks this period will play a crucial role in deciding his team's fate.
"I think they'll go a long way, but I don't think they'll define what happens," added the Scotsman.
"Whether we lose or win them, there's still huge work to be done. There are still four games remaining after that, but I think it will have a huge factor on where we end up."
Meanwhile, Norwich have been boosted by news on the fitness of Steven Naismith, Ryan Bennett and Robbie Brady who will all be available to play, while winger Nathan Redmond could return following an ankle injury.
Striker Dieumerci Mbokani is also available for selection, after being caught up in the Brussels terror attacks last week, and Neil is satisfied the Congo international is ready to play.
"Dieu's fine - I've been with him Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. It's one of those situations where it's a bit surreal.
"For anyone who has been in and around a bomb blast of any sort, it's an unusual circumstance to be in. We've tried to give him as much support as we possibly can and made sure he's in the right place physically and mentally.
"He had a right good game for us at West Brom in our last game. He's okay, I've spoken to him at length and he seems focused and ready."
