Clark's the cover star of Sunday's programme

The 27-year-old will be hoping to feature on Sunday as the Magpies’ pre-season preparations finish with a game against newly-promoted Serie A side Hellas Verona at St. James’ Park (3pm kick-off).

Republic of Ireland international Clark gave an exclusive interview to the club’s new-look matchday programme United, in which he discussed his memorable first year in black and white and his World Cup aspirations on the international front.

And with the domestic campaign set to begin in just over a week with the visit of Tottenham Hotspur, Clark believes that Rafa Benítez’s side must take the confidence they gained from last term’s Championship title-winning feats and use it to keep progressing in the top flight.

“We’re all very confident, with how we ended last season, but that’s done now. Everyone’s really proud and it was a great achievement, but we can’t keep thinking about what we did then,” he said.

“We have to focus on the new season. Every game will be so tough, but I think we have the quality. If we can bring the confidence that we took from the end of last season into this season, then we’ll be alright.

“Everyone went away, had their breaks and enjoyed it, but I think everyone was ready to come back in and get their heads down and start working hard in preparation for next season.”

Clark was speaking to United at Close House Golf Club, where Sunday’s revamped matchday programme’s cover image was taken.

And, having enjoyed what he says was the finest season of his career to date last term, he’s hoping to carry on in the same vein as Newcastle return to the big time.

“In general, that was probably the best season I’ve had. The winning mentality came back to me and the squad as well, and to cap it all off by winning the league at the end of it was unbelievable. It was a very proud moment for myself and my family, all the lads and the club as a whole,” said Clark.

“For a number of years, when you’ve been fighting at the bottom of the Premier League, it feels like you’re almost fighting in a relegation battle for quite a lot of the season. I think mentally – not just physically, but mentally – it’s quite draining.

“But when I came here, we started winning games in the Championship and confidence got lifted. You could tell there was a real buzz around the place, throughout the whole club, and we carried that on throughout the season.”

Inside Sunday’s edition, there is also an exclusive interview with Verona boss – and former Magpies coach – Fabio Pecchia, who won promotion in his first year as manager of the Gialloblu after departing St. James’ Park last summer.

To read all of this – and much more – pick up a copy of United, which will be available to purchase around St. James’ Park and in the club store at the stadium on Sunday, priced at just £3.