Eddie Howe says he does not seek daily reassurance from Newcastle’s owners over his job security – but admits a Wear-Tyne derby win would be the ‘spark’ his team needs.

The Magpies have lost seven of their last eight games and, while the head coach retains the support of fans and the club’s hierarchy, another defeat at the Stadium of Light could change the mood on Tyneside.

Bur rather than meet the FA Cup third-round tie with trepidation, Howe sees it as an opportunity.

‘We need something to spark us back into life – and there’s nothing better than this game. It’s important we get back to winning ways. It can certainly reboot us and just change the external – and even internal – view of ourselves, because it can change very quickly. Confidence is a very fragile thing for the players as well, so anything that helps them re-find their best rhythm as quickly as possible is what we’re seeking.’

Eddie Howe has urged his players to see their upcoming derby against Sunderland as a ‘spark’

The Magpies have lost seven of their last eight matches and were defeated by Liverpool 4-2 on New Year’s Day

He added: ‘We know the importance of this game in the season for us, so I can’t downplay it. As much as I’d like to, I can’t downplay it from where we stand today, especially after recent results, so we’re going to give everything we can to be at our best.’

Howe was also asked about his own future at Friday’s pre-match press conference, and said: ‘We (myself and the owners) communicate all the time. I certainly don’t need daily reassurances.

‘I feel comfortable in the fact that we are working as hard as we can to improve performances and improve results. Obviously, I know it’s a results-based business – all the usual things you’d expect me to say – but I do feel the support from the club and that’s really important in this moment.’

Sunderland boss Michael Beale said this week that there is no difference in the size of the rival clubs, if removing Saudi money.

Michael Beale has stressed that the future is bright at Sunderland and that they are similar in stature to Newcastle despite the difference in league

Howe responded: ‘I’m not going to get into a war of words with any manager, I just don’t think it’s wise to make those comparisons or comments.

‘We know who we are and what we are. I certainly know more about the size of this football club since managing it, and the future is very bright, no matter what happens in the short term.’

Howe, meanwhile, would not be drawn on the controversy surrounding the black and white signage that Sunderland allowed Newcastle to place inside the Black Cats Bar at the Stadium of Light, where some away fans will be housed. Sunderland supporters responded with fury and the decoration has since been removed.

Howe said: ‘These things can happen. It’s up to Sunderland what they do with their stadium, it’s nothing to do with us.’