Charlie Austin fires sly dig at Newcastle United fans over upcoming Fulham showdown

Speaking on the talkSPORT breakfast show with Laura Woods, Austin, when the discussing possibility of the game being a relegation showdown, suggested Newcastle players would be happier playing the fixture away from home in-front of rival fans than they would in front of their own supporters at St James' Park.

The QPR loanee claimed: “Newcastle United would rather play away from home on the last day of the season with ten thousand Fulham fans there, than they would if it were the last game of the season at home with ten thousand Newcastle fans - that is true, I really mean that.”

Woods' co-host Ally McCoist chipped in, agreeing with the striker, contending: “It's amazing, that. Charlie, you're right. I bet people will be sitting at home scratching their heads saying 'What's going on?' but you're right.”

Austin added: “They (Magpies fans) come for me about Jonjo Shelvey ('s appearance on his podcast), then they come for me the other week about me saying they was going to stay up...but it's true, it is true - I think Newcastle players would rather play away from home against Fulham (with fans in the stadium).”

As things stand, Steve Bruce's side lie in 16th place in the Premier League table, a point clear of 18th place Fulham. However, the Magpies do have the benefit of a game in hand over the west London club.