Last Updated: Fri, 15 Feb 2013 15:05
Alan Pardew has confirmed he will field a strong side against Metalist Kharkiv next week as Newcastle target European glory.
The Magpies had to settle for a goalless draw against Metalist in the first leg at St James' Park on Thursday night but really should be taking a lead to the Ukraine after Papiss Cisse had two goals wrongly ruled out for offside.
However, the one positive to take from the game is the visitors failing to bag an away goal - meaning if Newcastle can score in second leg they will be in a strong position.
Pardew has also revealed he will field a strong side despite the fact Newcastle still have a lot of work to do to ensure they stay in the Premier League.
"(Taking a strong team) was going to be in my thinking whatever the result," Pardew said. "There's no way we were going to win that game 3-0, no way.
"I knew the opposition were good enough for that not to happen, so we were always going to take a slender lead or, as in this case, no goals scored.
"A score draw takes us through, so that's some bonus for us to take into the second leg."
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