Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez manager has heaped praise on his players for their performances in the first half of the Championship season.
A 3-1 win against Nottingham Forest on Friday night saw Newcastle move top of the Championship by a point - although Brighton, in second place, have played one game less.
"?According to Squaker, the former Liverpool boss claimed, "I am really pleased because it is not an easy league.
"To have won 17 games at this stage of the season is quite good. We have lost games but we are still winning a lot. We have a good team and we work very hard."
Despite being top of the table, Newcastle have lost six games this season, more than Fulham and Aston Villa, who are eighth and tenth respectively.
"In the bad moments we need our experience but we have had a lot of good moments. The main thing for me is to keep doing that and improve the little things."?
Newcastle will be hoping for three points against strugglers Blackburn when they travel to Ewood Park on Monday. A win could see Newcastle move four points clear at the top of the table, should Brighton slip up against Fulham.
AWAY THE LADS: We'll be backed by around 7,000 away fans at Ewood Park today. Thank you for your magnificent support. Safe journey! #NUFC pic.twitter.com/JAUnLfo95l
The Magpies will be optimistic of gaining automatic promotion this season as they are currently nine points clear of third place Reading.
Newcastle are competing in their maiden season in the Championship following relegation from the Premier League last year.
The Toon Army have not been in England's second tier since the 2009/10 season when they won the league comfortably registering a staggering 102 points. At the time, Newcastle were managed by Chris Houghton who ironically is now in charge of title rivals Brighton.