Kinnear's side went into the international break on a high after coming back from two goals down to claim a 2-2 draw against Everton.

And Kinnear says there is now a buzz around the club's Benton training HQ, with the mood in the camp in stark contrast to that of the previous weeks, with Newcastle having headed to Merseyside on the back of a five-game losing streak.

"There's been a great spirit at the training ground this week," said Kinnear. "Everyone's been bright and bubbly, and there's a feelgood factor around the place.

"The two Irish players – Shay Given and Damien Duff – have been with us because they don't play their World Cup qualifier with Cyprus in Dublin until next Wednesday, but those lads who have gone away has done so with a spring in their steps."

Despite his own disappointment at having led a two-goal lead slip, Everton boss David Moyes – whose side went out of the UEFA Cup last week – warmly congratulated Kinnear on his sides's performance over a glass of wine in the manager's room at Goodison Park.

Kinnear added: "A lot of the managers in the Premier League have been very supportive of me coming back into the game, including David Moyes.

"Sunday must have been disappointing for him, as it rounded off a disappointing week, but I had a glass of wine with him in his office after the game."

The match saw Kinnear complete a two-game touchline ban dating back almost four years, and the 61-year-old will be in the dug-out at St James's Park a week on Monday for the visit of Manchester City.

Kinnear escaped punishment from the Football Association for going to
the mouth of the tunnel to order a substitution as he was unable to speak to coach Chris Hughton by mobile phone.

He said: "I'll be in the dug-out unless I do anything stupid before then and get banned again!"