Rafael Benitez backs Aleksandar Mitrovic to score the goals to save Newcastle from relegation

Newcastle manager Rafael Benitez is backing Aleksandar Mitrovic to score the goals which will maintain the club's top-flight status.

The Serbia international netted an equaliser seven minutes from time to earn Newcastle a valuable point against bitter rivals Sunderland in a 1-1 draw at St James' Park.

It was just the sixth goal Mitrovic has scored since he joined the Magpies for £14.5m last summer, but manager Benitez is confident he and Papiss Cisse can score more if he is given the right kind of service and support.

Benitez said: "I said before that he has the potential. We have to help him a little bit with better crosses, better deliveries and support and get closer to him, but he will score goals if we can do that.

"We are creating chances, we are attacking and we can be there, so we have to improve this part of the game and create more chances and Mitrovic or Papiss Cisse or the other strikers will score more goals and we will be fine."

Newcastle remain in 19th place in the table, one position and a single point behind their neighbours with eight games to play, but three points adrift of safety.

Mitrovic finished the game on the sidelines on medical advice after being knocked unconscious.

Despite suffering a head knock Mitrovic will be available for the trip to fellow Premier League strugglers Norwich, as the game does not take place until April 2.