ANGUS Gunn is backing his Saints defence to keep Newcastle ace Salomon Rondon quiet this evening.

Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side have made the long trip north to St James’ Park knowing that a win over the Magpies will see them leapfrog them in the Premier League.

Rondon has netted 13 goals in all competitions this campaign, including three in his last six matches.

“He is a very physical striker and he will definitely cause our defence problems,” revealed Gunn.

“But before the Wolves game, you would have thought that [Raul] Jimenez with the form he had would cause problems, but our defenders did unbelievably well against him.

“I think if we can defend like we have done in the last few games, then, hopefully, we can keep him quiet and let our attacking players win us the game.

“I think you look at the opponent before every game and think about what you need to do and what’s best to stop them using their strengths.

“As a goalkeeper, you look at the striker you’re up against and the wing players and you definitely have to tailor your game to theirs.

“I think if we focus on ourselves and with how we’ve been defending recently, we’ll definitely have a chance.”

In the build-up to tonight’s match, Newcastle manager Rafa Benitez demanded that his wingers improve their service to Rondon.

The Magpies have drawn blanks in front of goal in three of their last six games.

And when questioned whether he’s expecting a barrage of crosses into his penalty area, Gunn replied: “You never know.

“Our defence has been pretty solid in the last few games and I haven’t had much to do.

“If we can carry on then that will be brilliant. But if I’m called upon, then hopefully I can do my job and make some saves.

“The main thing for us is to try and get the win and get a good result and then just take it from there.

“One win would be a massive step in the right direction and would give us more confidence going into the last few games knowing that we don’t have to be looking behind us.”

Angus Gunn was speaking on behalf of club sponsor, Virgin Media, at an event for their Super Saints fans initiative.

Virgin Media has subsidised the away tickets for Saints fans for the Newcastle game, taking the price from £30 down to £20.