Beye joined Newcastle from Marseille in August 2007

Newcastle United defender Habib Beye has warned his team-mates they must not allow the club to be relegated from the Premier League this season.

Beye, 31, has been a regular in Alan Shearer's side since returning from injury and has stressed the importance of keeping the club in the top flight.

"We are one of the biggest clubs in England and we cannot drop into the Championship," he told BBC Newcastle.

"We as players have a responsibility and must take that responsibility."

The former Marseille full-back has become a fans favourite at St James' Park since making a £2m move to Tyneside in August 2007.

The Senegalese international has an equally strong bond with the club, and hopes that safety can be secured, starting with Monday's crucial Tyne-Tees derby with Middlesbrough at St James' Park.

"The reality is that we're in the bottom three, and if the season ended now, then we'd be relegated," he said.

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"We have a big game on Monday and I think we have the responsibility to win this game."

Newcastle are level with Middlesbrough on 31 points in 18th place, with Boro a place below them and West Bromwich Albion at the bottom of the table.

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