Joe Kinnear says Newcastle could reach top six

Joe Kinnear insists he is "proud" of his record at Newcastle - and claims the club can still have a "respectable" season.

The Toon boss is under pressure to deliver after owner Mike Ashley set him a target of finishing in the European qualifying places, saying: "What price a flutter on us reaching the top six?"

And sources in Spain claim that Newcastle are keeping their options open over Kinnear's future beyond this season, with Benfica boss Quique Sanchez Flores sounded out about the job.

The Newcastle boss has been in charge for three months, claiming four wins out of 14 games, and is desperate for an FA Cup run to lift the spirits.

The Geordies are two points above the drop zone and need January signings to relieve an injury crisis which has seen 10 first teamers struck down ahead of tomorrow's trip to Hull.

But the ex-Wimbledon manager said: "I'm proud of what we have achieved so far and I feel we can build on it.

"I am only looking ahead and only looking upwards, and I think we can get a respectable finish because this division is just so close."

Kinnear is considering a move for young Marseille full-back Taiye Taiwo and Blackburn defender Chris Samba, 24. But he also faces a battle with transfer chief Dennis Wise who will have to be persuaded to go for established players like Papa Bouba Diop on large fees.

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