Pardew relishes Euro mission
August 23, 2012 12:52:09 UK
Newcastle United boss Alan Pardew is taking the Europa League seriously, as the Magpies prepare to try and secure a place in the group stage of the competition.
Alan Pardew is looking forward to the challenge of European football.Pardew's side meet Atromitos in the final qualifying round, with the first leg in Greece on Thursday evening - with Newcastle 2.87 to secure an away win, 3.00 to gain a draw on the road and 3.00 to keep a clean sheet.
Pardew will be without injured quartet Demba Ba, Cheick Tiote, Fabricio Coloccini and Shola Ameobi for Thursday's game, while Hatem Ben Arfa misses out through suspension.
However, the Magpies manager is treating the competition with respect, telling the Northern Echo: "It's been something to look forward to. We are all very focused on it and treating it as an adventure really.
"We would like to pick up some really big results against some of the big hitters from their countries. It would be great to get a few scalps under our belt.
"You can never discount anything and we are in the competition to win it."
Veteran goalkeeper Steve Harper is expected to start for United in Greece, with regular number one Tim Krul expected to be rested ahead of a weekend trip to Stamford Bridge to take on Chelsea.
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