McClaren lauds work- rate after Liverpool win

Newcastle United head coach Steve McClaren felt his players
battled their way back into form as they secured a much-needed
2-0 Premier League win over Liverpool.

The hosts headed into the clash at St James' Park on the back
of chastening losses to Leicester City and Crystal Palace, with
Jurgen Klopp's rejuvenated Liverpool heavy favourites to make
it eight wins from nine in all competitions.

McClaren identified Newcastle as showing a lack of confidence
during the early stages but a below-par Liverpool were unable to
capitalise and Martin Skrtel's own goal put them behind when
the hosts improved after half-time.

Georgino Wijnaldum made sure of the points in stoppage time
having earlier seen Skrtel divert his powerful shot past Simon
Mignolet and such work up to the final whistle was exactly what
McClaren ordered.

"You have to work and you have to work really hard – crawl
back into the dressing room. We have to maintain that," he told
Sky Sports.

"We grew into the game. You could see our lack of confidence at
the start. But I thought we deserved to win.

"The players care and there is desire – you saw that today.

What we’ve been through they will learn from that.

"We said at half-time, even the supporters are gradually growing
into the game.

"There’s always a plan, when you lose the plan goes wrong. We
talked about the work-rate, we kept compact and when you
keep your discipline you get results."

McClaren's team remain in the relegation zone on goal
difference after their third league win of the campaign.

The former England boss is refusing to suggest that they have
turned the corner, having been burned by false dawns already
this season.

"We’ve come to this position about three times when you think
the penny has dropped," he added.

"And again you'd like to say this is the beginning. For 24 hours
we will enjoy it and get back to work."