NEWCASTLE defender Mike Williamson insists Alan Pardew’s squad remains united despite their winless start to the season stretching to seven games at the weekend.

The Magpies stayed in the bottom three after Saturday’s 2-2 draw at Swansea City, which left Pardew’s men still looking for their first victory going into the October international break.

Papiss Cisse came to the rescue once again two weeks after his double earned a much-needed point against Hull City at St James’ Park with the Senegal striker grabbing his second brace of the campaign at the Liberty Stadium.

Newcastle’s wretched start has led to supporters calling for owner Mike Ashley to both sell up and sack Pardew, but the sportswear tycoon remains behind the man he handed an eight-year contract two years ago.

Ashley’s unwillingness to bow down to fan pressure has created a vitriolic atmosphere on Tyneside.

The players haven’t escaped the wrath either, but Williamson insists the spirit within camp remains strong despite their dire position.

“It has been difficult, it always is when you have a bad period,” the defender admitted. "But the lads are working their socks off and there is no lack of effort, we are all working hard behind the manager and trying to put things right.

“That is what can happen with the frenzy they (media) can create and you end up with a bandwagon people are happy to jump on. But it is part and parcel of the game.

“There is no getting away from the position we are in and the results we have had. We need to get points on the board.”

Prior to Saturday’s game in South Wales, Pardew talked of the effect Newcastle’s run has had on his family and friends, while the 53-year-old has also endured run-ins with disgruntled fans in the street.

But Williamson insists the boss has not let his increasingly difficult position affect his demeanour on the training ground.

He said: “Outside of football, sometimes things go further and towards yourself. It is hard but he is very professional in how he goes about his job, he is very focused.

“There has been no reflection of anything bothering him. He has not shown it to the lads. He has got on with the job and made sure everyone knows what they are doing.”

The Magpies showed character to come from behind twice to earn a draw against Swansea and it could have been even better had Papiss Cisse and Daryl Janmaat converted late chances.

Williamson believes the manner of their comeback will give the squad confidence going into their next game at home to Leicester City on October 18, but also thinks his side is due a bit of luck.

“Swansea is a tough place to come and it is a good point, and a lot of sides will feel like that when they come down here.

“We got the equaliser at a good time, being level at the break gives you some momentum to push on. We had a slow start and you don’t want to have to come from behind but Papiss did fantastic and he deserves all the plaudits.

“We almost won it at the end, we had a chance and on another day, when we are not struggling for a result, that will go in. We just need the rub of the green.

“We just need that luck, but we need to build a base to make sure the luck goes your way, and our spirit and persistence paid off. We had to get ourselves in a position to get the result and the win but I am sure it is coming sooner rather than later.

“This will only make us stronger, and people will see that when we get out of this period. We go into the break on a high and with a chance to get some work done, come together and make sure we win the next one.”

Newcastle have been dealt an injury scare after Daryl Janmaat was forced out of the Holland squad.

Janmaat was due to link up with Guus Hiddink's side for their European Championship qualifiers against Kazakhstan and Iceland this week, but the right-back suffered a hamstring injury at Swansea.

FIVE of Newcastle’s league fixtures in December have been chosen for live broadcast.

The Tyne-Wear derby at St. James' Park has been moved to Sunday, December 21st (1:30pm) and will be shown live on Sky Sports.

BT Sport will broadcast the home game with Chelsea on December 6 (12:45pm) and the trip to Manchester United on Boxing Day (3pm).

The Magpies’ trip to Arsenal on December 13 will now be a 5:30pm kick-off, while Everton’s visit to St James’ Park on December 28 will now kick-off at 4:15pm.