Sam Allardyce has warned his Newcastle players they should not be looking to put on a show in Saturday's game at Reading as he sets his sights on improving a poor away record.

Allardyce's side have lost three times on their travels in the Premier League so far this season as well as going out of the Carling Cup against a young Arsenal side at The Emirates and their away form is in contrast to an unbeaten record at home.

Newcastle beat Tottenham 3-1 on Monday night to consolidate their position in the top half of the table, and close in on the top six.

Allardyce is determined that his side build on their home form, and do not become a soft touch away from St James' Park. And if that means United sacrificing their attacking instincts, then so be it.

"We need to carry that type of form into our away games," said Allardyce. "We probably have to be a bit more resilient, and understand that we're playing away from home.

"We're not there to be as entertaining as we are at home. We're there to get a result against a Reading side who are struggling in the division, but are very good at home as well.

"We'll have to be on top of our game defensively and hopefully get something out of that, and not waste the Spurs result."

Newcastle have been beaten by Derby, Arsenal and Manchester City on their travels so far this season, with their only away success having come on the opening day of the season against Allardyce's old club Bolton.

Meanwhile Allardyce says competition for places is finally getting stronger. Allardyce arguably had his strongest bench of the season to call upon for Monday night's game against Spurs.

Big names Joey Barton, James Milner, Shola Ameobi, David Rozehnal and Steve Harper all missed out on a place in the starting XI, while fans' favourite Steven Taylor did not even make the bench.

Allardyce admits Rozehnal and Taylor, among others, have been unlucky to lose their places after starting the season as his first-choice centre-halves.

But Allardyce - whose injury problems are slowly easing - insists he is not afraid to upset players, believing fierce competition can only be good for the club.

He said: "David Rozehnal has done nothing wrong at all, and Steven Taylor hasn't done much wrong either and he didn't get on the subs' bench. That's a measure of what I've been trying to get in terms of the squad.

"Keeping them all fit has been a problem, but once they all do get fit then it's going to be a battle for the team and the subs' bench, and I think that's really healthy.

"It's going to frustrate and upset a few players, but if we're winning games of football - and that's happening - they have to accept it.

"When they get in the team, they have to fight to keep the shirt. That grows the spirit and culture of the club, and it grows the desire to play with that shirt and not give it up.

"That's what a manager's really looking for."

Allardyce had hoped to have Mark Viduka back at Reading after the Australia international missed the games with Spurs and Everton because of a calf injury but he still is not ready.

But the Newcastle boss admits he is welcoming Alan Smith back with open arms after the England international served a one-match suspension against Spurs on Monday night.

"Alan Smith is back and it's great to have him back because his versatility gives up plenty of options."

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