KEVIN MBABU was spared from seeing much of Newcastle United's collapse at Manchester City – but hopes the Magpies can learn from their mistakes made at the Etihad Stadium.

Mbabu limped off after pulling up while tracking back for City's third goal in a 6-1 mauling and, as a result, did not see Sergio Aguero score his fourth and fifth goals, nor did he witness Kevin De Bruyne volleying home.

But the Swiss youngster saw enough of the display to know that there is plenty of room for improvement at Newcastle United, with Norwich City the next game up after the international break.

"It's difficult to explain, but you can't make mistakes against a big team," said Mbabu. "I can't really explain.

"I couldn't watch the rest of the game as I was in the changing room. It was a shame.

"We need to keep our heads up and focus on the next game against Norwich. We just need to keep working. I think what we did in the first half was really good. It will pay (off) one day. We need to keep doing what we're doing."

Newcastle's frustrations were compounded by the fact they started so well at Eastlands, with Mbabu starting off the move that saw Aleksandar Mitrovic score his first goal in a Magpies shirt.

But their good start counted for nothing as Aguero stole the show, with City tormenting their visitors in a breathtaking display of attacking football.

And with two Premier League starts under his belt, Mbabu is learning quickly about how cruel the top flight can be.

"We did really well in the first half. We had a few chances to score," admitted Mbabu. "It could have been 2-0 or 3-0.

"There were positive signs. We proved that we could be a really good team.

"That's how it is. It's football. One day everything goes well, the day after everything goes wrong.

"I just need to keep doing what I've been doing the past few months and see how it goes."

Mbabu faces further tests on the hamstring injury that saw him depart before the hour mark at the Etihad Stadium, and the defender could be out for several weeks.

He added: "I will have a scan and I hope it's not too bad. I hope I can get back soon to help the team."

Meanwhile, Moussa Sissoko has pledged his immediate future to Newcastle and is determined to work as hard as possible on Tyneside to stay in the France squad ahead of the European Championships.

The 26-year-old midfielder is part of Les Bleus squad to face Armenia in a friendly on Thursday, but knows that a loss of domestic form could prompt coach Didier Deschamps to look elsewhere for Euro 2016, which takes place in France.

When asked by French broadcaster Canal+ if he wants to stay at Newcastle, Sissoko said: "Yes of course, I have a contract with them. I want to continue. Lots of things could happen. I leave my agent to deal with all that. I am trying to do a good season the best I can, to do as much as I can for this team. There is the Euros on the horizon at the end of the season I need to give the best of myself in order to make the French squad."

Sissoko, a Paris St Germain fan as a youngster, has been linked with the Parisians on numerous occasions, but has admitted that a move to Parc de Prince would be 'difficult' and spoke of his love for Newcastle.

"Today playing for Paris would be difficult and it’s not the case," he explained. "I am well in England, the Premier League is right for me and I take pleasure in playing there every week. I hope to continue. I hope to have better results with Newcastle.

"It is a town that only lives for football, whether we have good or bad results they are always there; every match the ground is full – 52,000. If you go to the town you see everyone with their Newcastle shirts on, even older people.

"It’s really a town that lives for football. Unfortunately, the results are not really good but I hope we will improve soon."