We're better than we've shown so far, says Derby boss Jewell

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They have just six points on the board after 17 games, scoring six goals and conceding 39 - by far the worst goal difference in the division.

The 1-0 victory over the Magpies at Pride Park in September courtesy of Kenny Miller's stunning strike remains the only occasion County have celebrated victory in the top flight this campaign.

The trip to St James' Park will give the Rams the opportunity to complete an unlikely double over Sam Allardyce's side, although with just one point collected on their travels this term few fancy Jewell's side to leave the north east with anything but an even worse goal difference.

But the Rams manager remains confident his side can achieve another upset.

He said: "I think the squad is better than it has probably shown.

"But obviously the mere fact we have six points and have conceded so many goals and scored so few you don't have to be a brain surgeon to work out that we need to improve the squad.

"That's a fact that's there for anyone to see. If there's anything we can take out of it (the victory) it's that we can beat Newcastle.

"Yes we were at home but it can be done, any team can be beaten on their day. Liverpool lost to Reading last week so anything can happen in football.

"As long as I get 100 per cent effort and commitment to the cause I'll take whatever else on."

Jewell believes his team needs to show more conviction and confidence in front of goal if they are to stand any chance of avoiding the drop.

But he acknowledges instilling belief in his beleaguered players is a job easier said than done, with Arsenal, Liverpool and Tottenham among the sides who have already demolished their defence.

"We go there as underdogs," he added. "I want us to start showing a bit more belief in our final ball.

"It's easy for me to sit and say just go and play without any fear but they play as human beings, they have been battered and bruised this year so far.

"We have to start shaking off the shackles and start creating chances, putting balls in the box and giving our strikers something to feed on."

And while he is "quite happy" to work with the squad he inherited from Billy Davies, he revealed Rams fans can expect to see new faces arriving when the transfer window reopens on January 1.

"It would be remiss of me to say I want to get by with this group of players but this group of players need help and that's what I'm going to try and do.

"I think when I first went to Wigan the squad was nowhere near as good as when I left so it does take time.

"I don't think you can compare the two squads because I have been handed these players after 15 games of the season whereas at Wigan I joined in the summer and had time to change it around.

"But I'm quite happy to work with these players and bring in some. I've never been in a position like this but I know what it's like to have to fight and that's what we're going to have to do."