NEWCASTLE UNITED’S players have been warned to expect an away performance from Huddersfield that can make the sweet smell of safety even stronger to David Wagner’s men.

The Magpies will be playing competitive football for the first time in three weeks when the Terriers, also promoted from the Championship last season, travel to Tyneside tomorrow.

Both teams are threatened with a return to the second tier, with just a point separating them in the bottom half of the table.

Defeat for either will increase the threat of relegation and Newcastle have been told to expect a visiting team full of intent as they look to strengthen their chances of staying up.

Wagner led Huddersfield to a 2-1 win on Tyneside last season in the battle for a top two spot before earning promotion via the play-offs.

The German said: “I can only praise my players, so far, on what they have achieved. Our next opportunity to make the next step is Saturday.

“The supporters have backed this team and this football club on an unbelievable level. We smell that we have a chance to stay up. It’s a case of excitement for us.

“We are in the most exciting period of the season and entering the last few yards. We have very good memories at St James’ Park.

“We have seven games to go and are in and around the area where it’s exciting for us. Now we have to take the excitement onto the pitch, use all the freedom to perform like you can, and then try to get a great performance and a good result.”

Newcastle are four points clear of the relegation zone after losing just two of their nine league matches since the turn of the year; to Manchester City and Liverpool.

A key player in that run of form has been defender and skipper Jamaal Lascelles, although he thinks Newcastle have done relatively well this season because of one major reason – Rafael Benitez - despite a lack of major investment in the squad.

Lascelles said: "Everything is running smooth now, everything is positive and I think it's just down to us to make sure we keep the fans happy.

“I think for a while now the best thing that this club has done is brought the manager in. Since he has been here things have been on the up.

“He has brought the club together and the city together. I think it’s important that the club keeps him happy and holds on to him for as long as possible.

“He is an excellent manager, he has won trophies, he has worked in many different leagues and he knows what it takes to be successful. It has only been positive since he arrived.”

Newcastle have been linked with Turkish midfielder Oguzhan Ozyakup. He is out of contract in the summer and also interesting Everton and Arsenal.

Ozyakup is impressing for Besiktas and that Istanbul club are said to be keen on academy graduate Dan Barlaser, who Newcastle have loaned to Crewe.