St James' Park will be packed to the rafters when the Barclays Premier League champions and new Carling Cup holders visit later this week.

Both sides are anxious for points for vastly different reasons - Newcastle are in real danger of relegation following yesterday's defeat by Bolton while United are closing in on a third successive title.

With fellow strugglers Middlesbrough, Blackburn and Stoke all picking up points, Harper insists there will be no feeling of self-pity in front of their fans.

He said: "You just want to get back out there quickly after a defeat. It is a massive game and we have to put this disappointment behind us.

"We should have the best part of a full house and the supporters will be looking for us to give 100% commitment.

"It is important all the lads are on their game because they will have to be. We have to go out there all guns blazing and take on the champions."

The season is reaching a crucial stage for Newcastle with home games against Chelsea and Arsenal, not to mention a trip to Hull, to follow in quick succession after United.

Caretaker manager Chris Hughton said: "We have always known where we are. We are in a relegation scrap with 10 to 12 other teams.

"A series of wins or non-losses can take you away from that as other teams have shown. So we are under no illusions about our position."

The mood in the camp could have been so different had Obafemi Martins not sent a header wide of the post from a good position in the first half.

Instead Ricardo Gardner, who was introduced at the start of the second half, scored a superb winner for Bolton a minute after coming on.

"It was a big chance for Oba," Harper told nufctv. "In the first half we did okay and the game was there for the taking.

"While it was a great finish, it was a poor goal to give away and we are all very disappointed with the result."

Nicky Butt (knee) and Damien Duff (calf) are doubtful for the clash with Sir Alex Ferguson's side through injury.