Eddie Howe urges his players to beat rivals Sunderland to revive their season after recent setback… as he shrugs off questions over his future at Newcastle ahead of the Wear-Tyne derby

Eddie Howe says he is not seeking daily reassurance from Newcastle's owners over his job security, but admits a win in the Wear-Tyne derby would be the 'spark' his team needs.

The Magpies have lost seven of their last eight games and while the head coach retains the support of the fans and the club's hierarchy, another defeat at the Stadium of Light could change the mood on Tyneside.

But instead of approaching the FA Cup third round with dread, Howe sees it as an opportunity.

“We don't need to be reminded how painful losing can be, obviously because of what has happened recently,” said Howe, who has lost both third-round matches to League One opposition as Newcastle boss.

'We need something to bring us back to life, and there is nothing better than this game. It's important that we get back to winning ways. It can certainly reboot us and just change the external – and even internal – view of ourselves, because it can change very quickly. Self-confidence is also very vulnerable for the players, so anything that helps them get back to their best rhythm as quickly as possible is what we are looking for.'

The Magpies have lost seven of their last eight games and were beaten 4-2 by Liverpool on New Year's Day

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He added: “We know the importance of this game in the season for us so I can't downplay it. As much as I would like to, I can't downplay it from where we are now, especially after the recent results, so we're going to do everything we can to be at our best.”

Howe was also asked about his own future during Friday's pre-match press conference and said: 'We (myself and the owners) are in constant communication. I certainly don't need daily reassurances.

“I feel comfortable that we are working as hard as we can to improve performance and improve results. Obviously I know it's a results-oriented business – all the usual things you would expect from me – but I do feel the support of the club and that is very important at the moment.'

Sunderland boss Michael Beale said this week that there would be no difference in the size of the rival clubs if Saudi money was taken away.

Michael Beale has insisted that the future looks bright at Sunderland and that they are similar in status to Newcastle despite the difference in the league

Howe replied: 'I'm not going to get into a war of words with any manager, I just don't think it's wise to make those comparisons or comments.

'We know who we are and what we are. I certainly know more about the size of this football club since I took charge of it, and the future looks bright whatever happens in the short term.”

Howe, meanwhile, is said not to be drawn on the controversy surrounding the black and white signage that Sunderland allowed Newcastle to install in the Black Cats Bar at the Stadium of Light, which will house some away fans. Sunderland supporters reacted angrily and the award has since been removed.

Howe said, “These things can happen. It's up to Sunderland what they do with their stadium, we have nothing to do with it.'