RAFAEL Benitez believes an improved mentality inside the Newcastle United dressing room could be the key to securing Premier League survival over the next four weeks.

Benitez celebrated his first win since taking over at St James’ Park on Saturday after goals from Jamaal Lascelles, Moussa Sissoko and Andros Townsend earned the Magpies their first victory since February 6.

The triumph over Swansea City came hours after Sunderland had beaten fourth-bottom Norwich City, and means the Tynesiders are now three points behind Norwich with a game in hand, against Manchester City tomorrow night.

Saturday’s results have given Newcastle a lifeline in their quest to avoid relegation to the Championship and Benitez believes the atmosphere inside the dressing room will be a key feature in the coming weeks.

“It's much better now,” said the Spaniard when asked about the mentality of his squad. “It makes it easier for me because when you talk about what you have to do to the players now they will say 'yes, we can score' or 'we can do this'. For everyone here this victory is very important.

“I said in an interview that we can talk and talk but we need to win. We've now won with the kind of performance our fans would expect and they are pleased.

“Now we have to keep this momentum and the only way to do that is to work hard, be ready and approach the next game with confidence to hopefully win.”

It was double joy for Benitez on Saturday, who celebrated his 56th birthday as well as a vital three points, but the Magpies manager chose to forgo any over-indulgence in order to concentrate on preparing for matches against Manchester City and Liverpool.

He said: “I'll try (to celebrate) a little bit but we have to train on Sunday. Obviously you have to recover, we'll see if we have any knocks and be ready for the next game.

“I'll try to enjoy my (birthday celebrations) a little bit with friends and staff but we have to concentrate on the next training session and the next game.”

After promising changes in the wake of last weekend’s defeat at Southampton, Benitez made the bold move to drop Jonjo Shelvey and hand the captain’s armband to Moussa Sissoko.

Given the Frenchman’s performances this season, the decision raised a few eyebrows, but Benitez admitted he has been impressed with Sissoko – who scored his first goal of the season – since arriving.

“I was really pleased for him,” said Benitez, who revealed tomorrow's visit of Manchester City will probably come too soon for Fabricio Coloccini and Daryl Janmaat.

“I wanted to give him some confidence and as I’ve said he has a lot of influence with French players because they see him as a big name and a big player so he's been important.

“I'm not too worried about that. We will consider it (longer term captaincy) because he's done very well.”

Benitez dropped captain Shelvey for the visit of his old club, but the midfielder admitted he would not question the manager’s decision.

"It's frustrating not to start against my former club but it's not about me at this stage, it's about the team and winning,” Shelvey said. “I thought we thoroughly deserved it, we were outstanding, the gaffer had a game plan and we implemented that and stuck to it to get the three points.

“I was a bit surprised to be left out, but I think he knows what he's doing so you can't exactly sit here and criticise him with his record and his CV, which speaks for itself.

“I didn't get an explanation before but I'm sure he'll put me aside and tell me. As I say it's not about me it's about this club and maintaining Premier League status. We're all in it together.”