Rio Ferdinand makes Newcastle United survival prediction and hails side's qualities

Rio Ferdinand believes Newcastle have too much in their squad to go down after their recent result at West Ham United.

The former Manchester United defender watched on and was particularly impressed with the performance of Joe Willock as the Magpies made it six games without defeat.

Eddie Howe's side have won three of their last four and have given themselves a serious lifeline in the fight against relegation.

Newcastle know a win against Brentford this weekend would see them move above their opponents and further away from the bottom three.

Ferdinand paid tribute to the new found character and work ethic in the Magpies squad, and believes they'll have enough come the end of the season to ensure Premier League survival.

Speaking to the Vibe with Five podcast, Ferdinand said: "It was a great result. They put a great shift in.

"Newcastle will stay up now they've got too much in terms of character, desire now, you can see there's a work ethic behind it.

"A lot of work being done behind the scenes. They're in good shape. I think Newcastle, by the end of the season will stay up.

"West Ham will be disappointed with the result themselves, trying to get that top four spot. It was a good draw all round for both sides.

"Trippier is a character and has leadership. Joe Willock, who was important last season, scoring goals at the end of the season, he's now scored his first goal. He was immense in this game first-half.

"I thought he did really well. Obviously he scored the goal, but was a big reason why they got back into the game. West Ham were disappointing but it was a fair result across the board.

"The three teams that are there, go down for me."