Nolan netted from the spot in the 2-1 defeat by Stoke

Newcastle United midfielder Kevin Nolan has called on his team-mates to remain upbeat despite Sunday's 2-1 defeat by Stoke City in the Premier League.

The Magpies have made a mixed start to the campaign but Nolan believes everyone associated with the club ought to be satisfied with current progress.

"We can't get too downhearted with that," Nolan told BBC Newcastle.

"As a team, and as fans we all feel we've got a solid enough unit to make sure we remain in this league."

Nolan added: "We've got to make sure we keep an even keel on things and got to look at the bigger picture."

Newcastle were among the clubs tipped to struggle in the Premier League on their return to the division after a season in the Championship.

The club lie in mid-table after six games and results have ranged from a 6-0 demolition of European hopefuls Aston Villa to a 2-0 defeat at home by Blackpool and Nolan demands expectations be kept to a minimum at this early stage.

"I don't think anyone would have given us any hope at the beginning of the season but then it all changed when we thrashed Aston Villa," Nolan continued.

"Then it went to doom and gloom after we lost to Blackpool, then it's all gone up again when we've won a couple of games, and now it'll be all doom and gloom again.

"Remaining in this league is the ultimate aim, and hopefully we can get up the league, if we can keep getting up that league bit by bit then we'll be in a fantastic state in the next five years.

"We're looking at a massive picture here not just a little one."

Meanwhile Newcastle United have completed the signing of Sochaux midfielder Yven Moyo on undisclosed terms.

The France under-18 international, 18, had been with the training with the Magpies reserves and was on the bench for Monday's 2-1 win at Wolves.

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