Newcastle United defender Coloccini sets his sights high as Magpies look to leapfrog Stoke City

After picking up their first win under John Carver against Hull City at the weekend, the Magpies’ attentions turn to Stoke City on Sunday, where victory would propel them above the Potters into tenth place in the Premier League.

The club hierarchy have set a target of a top-ten finish come the end of the season, repeating last season’s feat, but Coloccini wants Newcastle to push on further.

“We have put down a target to finish in the top ten and then, of course, we are going to try to push to finish higher,” said Newcastle’s captain.

“I tell you, we trust in the staff that we have now. We are with them. We are going to push all together. Everyone is happy now.”

Carver’s side certainly appeared to be moving in the right direction against the Tigers last weekend, with their 3-0 victory over Steve Bruce’s side the first since Alan Pardew left for Crystal Palace at the turn of the year.

And Coloccini is starting to see the fruits of Carver’s labours on the training ground.

“When he took over, it was not the best situation for us. We were losing. But now it is different. We have got a result,” said Coloccini.

“We are working very hard during the week, about tactics and shape, and I think we showed that on the pitch in the second half against Hull. We took advantage of the space they left, when we counterattacked.

“We know him and the staff. We have confidence in them, and it's important that the players have confidence. We are going to work together.

It's very important to win, playing away. We got that result.”

Carver’s contract runs until the end of the season, and Coloccini admitted the players have no say in whether the club elect to extend that deal or not.

The Argentinian said: “It's not my choice if he stays. The club have to decide that. We know him and the type of personality that he is.”

Meanwhile,Rangers caretaker boss Kenny McDowall sensationally revealed on Thursday that he has been told he must play the five Newcastle loan players added to his squad on transfer deadline day.

Toon quintet Haris Vuckic from Slovenia, English defender Remie Streete, Burundi-born Gael Bigirimana, Swiss defender Kevin Mbabu and Northern Ireland winger Shane Ferguson have joined the Ibrox club until the end of the campaign.

Newcastle owner Mike Ashley is a shareholder at Rangers with an 8.92 per cent stake, and he and Rangers face hearings before the Scottish Football Association in March over the Sports Direct owner's possible breaches of dual interest rules.

Speaking at the Murray Park training centre, McDowall, who has signalled his intent to leave at the end of the season, said: "On Monday night I got a call from Derek (Llambias, Rangers chief executive) saying he had secured five players on loan.

"Three of them arrived and two of them will be coming the next three or four weeks - they are injured.

"When I was given the job I was told players incoming and outgoing wouldn't be my responsibility.

"I take the team and coach the team and I am more than happy to get on with it.

Asked if he was duty-bound to play them, he replied: "Yes."

Then asked if he had to play every one of them every week, he again, replied: "Yes. They are obviously good players - they play for Newcastle - but I will carry on and do what I am told to do."

Asked how he could be comfortable with the situation, McDowall added: "I have handed in my notice and have told the guys I am happy to take the team.

"So I am not going to complain. I will carry out the instructions that they give me and do my best. I have a job to do and I am happy to do it.

"The boys have come up to play and they will play. That's just how it is. They are in the squad for Sunday (Scottish Cup tie against Raith Rovers).

"I would like the fans to give them their support, they are playing with Rangers after all.

"The lads are just here to play football. They are nice lads and look good players. It is not their doing. They are a welcome addition to our squad."