GIORGINIO WYJNALDUM REVEALS HOW RAFA BENITEZ HAS REVITALIZED NEWCASTLE

GEORGINIO WIJNALDUM can explain just how Newcastle are smiles better under Rafa Benitez.

The Dutch playmaker admits the new Toon boss has restored team spirit at St James’ Park.

But Wijnaldum will be grinning only if Newcastle are still winning at the end of the season — and successfully beat the dreaded drop from the Premier League.

The £14.7million ace, 25, said: “We were happy after beating Crystal Palace.

Wijnaldum wants to raise the roof at St James' Park Reuters

Wijnaldum celebrates scoring against Liverpool PA:Press Association

“Now, even if we are not always playing well, the team spirit is good and we are happier than normal.

“But the most important thing is that we are happy at the end of the season, not now.

“This feels nice at the moment but we will see at the end of the season how happy we are.”

Wijnaldum also says St James’ has finally turned into the cauldron of noise he hoped it would be when he signed from PSV Eindhoven last summer.

Townsend's super goals for Toon

Wijnaldum says Rafa Benitez has lifted the atmosphere on Tyneside Getty Images

Benitez hugs Andros Townsend after his wondergoal against Crystal Palace Reuters

Newcastle’s stadium was one of the main reasons the Holland international joined the club.

And the Toon Army could still play a major part in their survival bid as, after visiting Aston Villa on Saturday, they host Tottenham on the final day. Wijnaldum said: “Before I signed here I knew it could be difficult because they had a few difficult seasons.

“But when you hear an atmosphere like we got on Saturday then that’s what I always hoped we could get it like. The atmosphere helped us.

“Atmospheres can go one of two ways. It can go against you because supporters can say, ‘I’m not going to support you as you are in the relegation zone’.