Pardew would settle for fifth

Alan Pardew: Has Newcastle in the hunt for Champions League qualification

Alan Pardew says there would be no sense of disappointment at Newcastle were they to end the 2011/12 campaign in fifth place.

The Magpies have been able to maintain the consistency they displayed at the start of the season to remain among the Premier League frontrunners.

A top-four finish and a return to the UEFA Champions League is now on the cards, with only goal difference separating them from fourth-placed Tottenham.

There is no getting away from the fact that Newcastle are very much in the hunt for a place at European football's top table, but Pardew insists no tears would be shed were the club to end up with a Europa League berth.

"We are battling well above our level in terms of the salaries and transfer fees these other clubs are paying," he told Sky Sports News HD.

"We shouldn't be anywhere near them, but we are and we continue on our good form. We are in great form at the minute, momentum is with us, and we take that to Stoke (on Saturday)."

Clarity

It is possible that Newcastle could finish fourth and be denied a route into the Champions League, with Chelsea still hoping to land that particular prize.

If they were to do so, but miss out on a top-four finish in the Premier League, one unlucky outfit would be forced to make way for them.

Pardew admits he is not entirely sure of the rules when it comes to European qualification, but has no need to delve into the matter while Newcastle are still scrapping for points.

He said: "We are trying to get some clarity from the FA as to what it all means, because we don't know. We will find out at the end of the season.

"The most important thing is to win your games, but we are keeping an eye on the other results, as you would imagine.

"Arsenal losing to Wigan was a big loss for them and puts them in touching distance of the three clubs below them."