Nolan (right) has been a key figure in Newcastle's Championship title, scoring 18 goals this season

Newcastle midfielder Kevin Nolan credits the Magpies' self-belief as a key factor in their Championship title success this season.

A 6-0 defeat by Leyton Orient in pre-season suggested a difficult campaign ahead but Nolan revealed he and his team-mates were confident of success.

"We obviously thought we were good enough to win this Championship," Nolan told BBC Newcastle.

"A lot of people had knocked us, so to do what we've done is fantastic."

Nolan added: "What we need to do is make sure we shut up the pundits again, we've got to make sure we stick together as a group.

"What Chris [Hughton] and Mike [Ashley] now decide to do, is up to them.

"But we're confident as a team that we're good enough for the Premier League."

Promotion at the first attempt has been vital for Newcastle, who slipped into the Championship following a disappointing defeat by Aston Villa on the final day of the season.

For Spanish full-back Jose Enrique, this season has been one of re-emergence in the Magpies first team after a tricky couple of years with the club.

The defender has been an integral part of the side which has gone the whole season unbeaten at home, with a win against Ipswich on Saturday needed to seal that record.

And Enrique is convinced the club will need to repeat that impressive home form in their return to the top flight next season.

"We need to continue the same in the Premier League, this year has been very important for us," he added.

"St James Park is very hard place to go for all teams, and it's the same in the Premier League, when you play away at Stoke City, or other teams, the stadium is very difficult to play at for other teams.

"St James' Park is the most important thing next season too, as it has been this season.

"We hope we have a good season and stay in the Premier League."

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