By Anthony Marshall - Newcastle United Club Reporter

Assistant manager John Carver believes United's upcoming foray into the Europa League is the talk of Tyneside.

Having finished fifth in the Barclays Premier League last time out, the Magpies will embark on their first European campaign in five years when they enter the competition at the fourth qualifying round stage.

Victory over two legs will lead to a place in the Europa League group stages, and that could see the likes of Atletico Madrid, Lyon or Inter Milan all arrive in the North-East, which would bring great memories flooding back to everyone associated with the Club.

"It's an exciting time up here right now," Carver, who was right hand man to Sir Bobby Robson when Newcastle competed in the Champions League, told nufc.co.uk.

"We're back in Europe again, although we've got to make sure we get through the qualifying rounds first.

"All the fans are talking about it. Everyone I bumped into over the summer, all they were talking about was the European trips because we know what it's like.

"We've been there before, and European games at home in our stadium are something truly special and have to be seen to be believed.

"So it's something everyone is looking forward to, and the whole squad will have a part to play."

Season tickets for the 2012/13 campaign are now on sale and are the only way to guarantee your seat for every Barclays Premier League home game.