Newcastle keeper Steve Harper has warned his team-mates they will have to scrap their way out of the Coca-Cola Championship.
The 34-year-old is as desperate as anyone at St James' Park to see the club's immediate future resolved but whatever else happens off the pitch during the remaining weeks of pre-season, Harper knows exactly what to expect once hostilities resume on August 8 at fellow former Barclays Premier League side West Brom.
"We will be a scalp. The big club going down will be a cup final for everybody," said Harper.
"Everywhere we go, we have to make sure we are up for it.
"It's going to be a massive challenge. Everybody I have spoken to says how tough it is.
"You have two games a week and everybody is fighting to get into the Premier League - and that's what we have to do."
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