The boos around St James' Park following the 2-1 defeat to Sunderland spoke volumes. Newcastle United fans are not happy and are in desperate need of something to get behind in the final weeks of the season.

A challenging campaign is threatening to collapse in a dreadfully disappointing manner unless Eddie Howe and his players can conjure up some inspiration before May is out.

A place in the Europa League is probably the best they can hope for - the Champions League feels a step too far now - but at worst, it could be mid-table mediocrity which, as CEO David Hopkinson has made clear, is well below the expected standard.

But look past the doom and gloom of the past fortnight, and there is a brighter picture. We need to see evidence instantly when United return to action against Crystal Palace on April 12, but there should be plenty to encourage the faithful that this season is not over yet.

It will not be a top-four finish and silverware, but here are five reasons...