Alan Pardew has revealed his happiness with Newcastle United's defensive display during their 0-0 stalemate with Norwich City this afternoon.

It was just the third time in the last 18 games that the Magpies, who had conceded 15 goals in their previous four matches, have kept a clean sheet.

Pardew believes that a draw was a positive result for his out-of-form side and is now targeting more points in some winnable upcoming fixtures.

He said: "It was a more favourable result for us than for Norwich as they were the home side. It was two teams that worked hard and restricted the opposition.

"For us it was important to get a clean sheet. I had the luxury of putting some senior players on the pitch and the result showed that.

"That was a key game. We have Reading at home and Aston Villa away coming up so it is an important time for us."

Newcastle are bottom of the Premier League form standings, having picked up just four points from a possible 18.