NEWPORT can still qualify for the quarter-finals of the Celtic League, insists backs coach Richard Hill.

And he also has a dig at the section of Newport fans who have been abusive.

Newport have been written off after three defeats out of three and with Irish provinces Connacht tomorrow and Leinster in a fortnight, both away, still to come.

But Hill says: "The Celtic League has not gone. There are four games left and if we win them all we will qualify.

"We've got to draw a line under the three defeats, and though it's definitely tough the aim is to win all four games left.

"We have been written off, but we've got to make sure we win the next four and qualify."

Hill also urges the Newport fans who have been abusive to get behind the team and take their anger out on the opposition instead.

"It's only a small element, but it disappoints me," he said.

"I was three-and-a-half years at Gloucester, then with Harlequins, and the crowds were passionate.

"But they got behind the club. Only as a last resort were they abusive.

They turned their frustration on the opposition, they were 100% behind the team and the coaching staff.

"If their side lost they were frustrated, but they took it out on the opposition squad.

"I don't like to hear the crowd like that. The critical element is only small, but it would be better if they looked ahead and could see the hard work that is being put in and get behind the squad.

"A small minority leaves a bad taste and I hope they will be supporting in 4-6 weeks' time and look back at how they treated people."

Hill admits they were choked by the Glasgow result, but says they are determined to get it right.

"It was a shock to lose against Glasgow, we thought we had almost cracked it and it was very disappointing we didn't win," he said.

"We all know we desperately need a win and we will be going flat out against Connacht.

"I've been impressed with Scott Williams, he's exceeded my expectations and Matthew Veater has trained well, though it's a big step-up.

"Alec Cadwallader played at outside centre with me for England Students and was inside centre for England Under-21s, so he's slightly more known to us.

"But if a player is in the squad we expect him to perform well."