Rio Ferdinand has hailed the impact of Newcastle United signing Kieran Tripper and believes the Magpies are now out of relegation danger.
The former Atletico Madrid full-back scored his second free-kick in as many games to lead United to a 1-0 victory over Aston Villa on Sunday.
Eddie Howe's side have now recorded three straight wins and have moved four points clear of the relegation zone, with a game in hand on Norwich City.
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Brentford, Everton and Leeds United are all within one result of being overtaken, although the Magpies head coach has been keen to stress his side will continue to just focus on the next match.
Trippier has been ruled out for Newcastle's 'upcoming fixtures' after suffering a fractured bone in his foot during the victory over Villa.
The former Burnley and Tottenham defender has quickly established himself as a key figure at St James' Park, and his absence will undoubtedly be a setback for his resurgent side.
Ferdinand admits he has been left wowed by Trippier's immediate impact in a black-and-white shirt, and believes Howe's side will pull themselves clear of any threat of relegation.
He told his YouTube show 'Vibe with Five': "Wow, wow. What a signing Trippier has been, two goals, massive goals. Wow.
"I think the three teams now in the bottom three go down. That's it, Newcastle are out.
"Leeds and Brentford could get dragged in, but I think the three teams in the bottom three have got to win too many games and the others have to lose too many."
Ferdinand was then asked whether Everton - who sit just a point ahead of Newcastle albeit with a game in hand - could get dragged into the bottom three.
The former Manchester United defender answered: "I can't see it if I'm being honest. I think they've got enough quality in there to get out of it.
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"Donny van de Beek has gone there, I've been speaking to a few people at the club and they've said he's gone there and lifted the levels in training.
"Great lad first and foremost, and a lot of them are going wow, he's this good, they must be unbelievable at Man United if he can't get in."
