NEWCASTLE United players tonight got behind the city's bid to bring World Cup football to the North-East.

Players wore specially designed Back the Bid branded shirts as they warmed up on the sidelines at St James’ Park before and during the game against Queens Park Rangers.

The twin cities of NewcastleGateshead are campaigning to become host cities as part of England's 2018 World Cup bid.

Fans at St James’ Park were also urged by the public address system to vote for NewcastleGateshead on the newly launched textline, NewG 62018.

Barry Webber, commercial director at Newcastle United added: “World Cup football needs to be played in an iconic location, and NewcastleGateshead and St James’ Park in particular is just that. Everyone needs to have their say, and vote for our city.”

Sunderland is also bidding to be a host city.

Final bids will be submitted to the Football Association on November 6, with the announcement of which cities will be included in the official England 2018 bid expected on December 14.