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Pardew Targets Europa League Glory
Written by Newcastle Utd
United manager Alan Pardew has vowed to select a strong line-up as they face Metalist Kharkiv on Thursday
United manager Alan Pardew has underlined his commitment to bringing silverware to Tyneside by revealing a strong Magpies team will await Ukrainian side Metalist Kharkiv at St. James' Park on Thursday.
The clubs meet at 8.05pm on Thursday evening in the first leg of their UEFA Europa League Round of 32 tie, before Pardew's squad make the long trip to Ukraine's second largest city to resume the fight for a place in the last 16 of the competition a week later.
And with the return of several injured players bolstered by the arrival of five January signings, Pardew has depth to call on ahead of what promises to be an enthralling two-legged encounter.
"It's competition we'd all love to win," Pardew told nufc.co.uk.
"It's difficult to get through the group stage, make no mistake, so we don't want that hard work to be for nothing.
"I'll be picking a strong side for Thursday. The new lads who arrived last month have given us greater depth, so I'll take advantage of that with my team selection.
"Metalist are a good side, you just have to look at the teams they finished above in their group to realise that, so they'll get our full respect.
"But the last 16 is in our reach and there could be some big ties ahead for us. I'm sure our fans would relish bringing more big European nights to St. James' Park so we'll be doing everything we can to progress and deliver that."
To secure your seat for Newcastle United's home fixture against Metalist Kharkiv on Thursday, click here or call the Box Office on 0844 372 1892.