Nicky Butt insists Mike Ashley is not to blame for Newcastle United’s problems.

The Magpies face a huge fight to remain in the Premier League, as they currently sit in the relegation zone two points adrift of safety with eight games remaining.

Many of the St James Park faithful blame owner Ashley for their current plight, but former Manchester United ace Butt insists he and his team-mates must take the blame.

"It was all a bit of a distraction but it's not an excuse for the players. It's easy to blame the situation or someone else,” he told the News of the World.

“Sooner or later you have to look at yourself in the mirror. You have to say, 'hold on, mate. It's not his fault. It's me who's not performing.'

"We all have to do that and try to turn it around for the last eight games. I hope the players are coming round to that way of thinking."