DANNY Simpson claims Newcastle's superb early-season defensive record is a direct result of the hours that were devoted to organisation and team shape this summer.

No one has conceded less goals than Newcastle in the whole of English football, with Stoke City the only other top-flight side to have let in just one goal during their opening four league matches.

The statistic represents a remarkable turnaround from days gone by, when the Magpies' notoriously porous rearguard repeatedly counted against them.

Simpson has been a key member of the back four, starting all of Newcastle's matches this season, including the Carling Cup win at Scunthorpe, and the full-back insists there is nothing fortuitous about the way things have gone so far.

"When the manager came in, I think the shape of the team was the first thing that he wanted to sort out," said Simpson, who kept Joey Barton quiet for large sections of Monday's hard-fought draw with Queens Park Rangers. "He feels that everyone should know their job as soon as they step onto the pitch, especially at the back.

"We've worked together that much on the training ground that we know each other's job inside out now. I know what Tayls (Steven Taylor) is going to do before he does it, and I think the same is true of him with me.

"We're working off each other, we know what our role is, and watch videos back and discuss things as a back four. It seems to be working, but we've got to keep working at it because we're really benefiting from keeping these clean sheets."

Tellingly, Newcastle have named the same back five in their opening four league games. That could change when they visit Aston Villa on Saturday, with August signing Davide Santon pushing to replace Ryan Taylor at left-back, but Alan Pardew is hardly blessed with a surfeit of defensive options.

Santon was the only defender on the bench at Loftus Road, and while it is hoped Mike Williamson will return from injury in the next two weeks, the Magpies' squad is one of the smallest in the top-flight.

That could create problems later in the campaign, but for now, the lack of alternatives could be working in Newcastle's favour.

"We've got a fairly small squad, but in a strange way, maybe that's helping," said Simpson.

"Competition is good, but it can also be good for players to know they're going to be playing week in, week out.

"It means you can start putting partnerships together and working on them. If you're playing next to the lad you played with the week before it can help in terms of working on your game.

"It's nice to have that closeness. We've got a small squad, but we also know it's a long, long season. We've brought in a couple of players and hopefully we'll have more than enough to get through."

Simpson was one of the players linked with a possible move away from Tyneside towards the end of a fraught transfer window, but the 24-year-old was never the subject of sustained interest from a viable suitor.

Nevertheless, the fact that talks over a new contract have foundered will alarm supporters who are still reeling from the departure of Barton, Kevin Nolan and Jose Enrique this summer.

Simpson, who has two years of his contract remaining, is understood to have rebuffed the Magpies' initial offer of a new five-year deal, but is focusing on the present rather than getting too concerned about the future.

That present means preparing for the challenge of Aston Vila this weekend, and a likely meeting with former Newcastle winger and transfer target Charles N'Zogbia.

"It'll be interesting." he said. "I played against him in Wigan away last season and he's one of those players where you can't really afford to switch off for a second.

"I wasn't here when he was at Newcastle, but I know what he's all about. You've got to look forward to playing against good players. Hopefully, we can build on the QPR match and try to keep another clean sheet."

n A strong Newcastle reserve side thrashed Norwich City 6-0 at Whitley Park yesterday.

Steve Harper, James Perch, Danny Guthrie, Dan Gosling and Shane Ferguson all featured, while there was also a debut for Santon.

Gosling bagged himself a brace, while Michael Richardson, Ryan Donaldson, Greg McDermott and Yven Moyo all got on the score sheet.

Newcastle: Harper; Kadar, Santon (Folan 70), Dumett, Perch (Edmundsson 72); Richardson,. McDermott, Guthrie (Moyo 46), Ferguson; Gosling; Donaldson. Subs (not used): Sodeberg, D Taylor