Smith (centre) helped Newcastle to the Championship title last season

Newcastle United midfielder Alan Smith believes the side will return to the Premier League in positive spirits on the back of last season's success.

The Magpies won the Championship title and Smith hopes that they can use the achievement as an inspiration in the top flight.

"We'll go in there confident and winning the Championship breeds confidence," Smith told BBC Newcastle.

"We've got to maintain that confidence as long as possible."

Smith added: "The first 10 games of any Premier League season are vital to see how you'll stand.

"Say Hull a few years ago, they were flying at the start of the season, and it gave them that chance to drop off, you don't ever want to be chasing [points]."

Newcastle kick off the Premier League season with a visit to Manchester United on Monday, 16 August.

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