Speaking to the club’s official website, Jamaal Lascelles has encouraged Newcastle United to treat every game like a cup final, as they edge closer to promotion from the Sky Bet Championship.

Newcastle have had a magnificent week against their promotion rivals, picking up seven points from a possible nine.

The Magpies recorded victories over Brighton and Hove Albion and Huddersfield Town, before picking up a point in a goalless draw with Reading last night.

Rafa Benitez’s side have now moved back to the top of the Championship table, but captain Lascelles has encouraged his teammates not to get too complacent, he told nufc.co.uk: “We all know how hard it is to get three points every week. We’ve got the players, but the Championship is a tough league.

“We are doing very well and we are going in the right direction, but there is a long way to go and we can’t go into any game thinking that we’re there. We need to prepare for every game like it’s a Cup final, and that’s what we’re going to keep doing.”

The Magpies now hold a three-point lead over second placed Brighton but more significantly have a nine-point cushion over Huddersfield who sit third.

With just ten fixtures of the Championship campaign remaining, many believe Newcastle are almost certain of a Premier League return.

Benitez’s side start their remaining fixtures on Saturday afternoon, when Play-Off chasing Fulham travel to St James’ Park.

Newcastle fans… How many more victories do you think it will take to secure promotion? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!