Image:Alan Pardew: Manager believes Newcastle now have a great chance of qualifying for Europe
Alan Pardew believes Newcastle have a 'great chance' of qualifying for Europe following the 1-1 Tyne-Wear derby draw with Sunderland.
Magpies boss focuses on last 11 games following derby draw
Alan Pardew believes Newcastle United have a 'great chance' of qualifying for Europe following the 1-1 Tyne-Wear derby draw with Sunderland.
The Magpies remain in sixth position in the Premier League table after Shola Ameobi's injury-time equaliser salvaged a point after Demba Ba had earlier seen a penalty saved.
The result leaves Newcastle five points adrift of the UEFA Champions League places, but in with a strong shout of securing a spot in the Europa League.
With Liverpool having already qualified for the competition by lifting the Carling Cup, seventh place could see the Magpies join the Reds in Europe next season depending on who wins the FA Cup.
Fantastic position
Pardew's men boast an eight-point cushion over eighth-placed Fulham and he is now focused on the remaining 11 games of the campaign.
He said: "This is a fantastic position we find ourselves in. We have got a great chance of European football with 11 games to go.
"They are the most important games of any season. I am glad this is out of the way now.
"We can concentrate on what we are about and hopefully get the wins."
