Viduka: Ambitious

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Newcastle striker Mark Viduka is determined to fire the club to European qualification next season.

The Australian is currently trying to recover from an Achilles problem in time for the start of the new campaign but may be sidelined until late August or early September.

He is nevertheless in high spirits as he believes the Magpies should be able to improve on their 12th-placed finish from last season.

Viduka has played in European competition with Leeds, Middlesbrough and Celtic, but wants to experience it again at Newcastle.

He told the Chronicle: "I have had great European nights in my career, but I would love to go back there with Newcastle.

Special

"To be involved in European games at St James's Park would be something special.

"I would love to play in front of the crowd here in Europe because the fans are so passionate.

"It would really be something for me.

"I would love it to happen and that will be the aim - to get back in there next season."

Newcastle found some form towards the end of last term with Viduka forming a three-man attack alongside Michael Owen and Obafemi Martins.

Challenge

Viduka understands how passionately the supporters want to see European football and the 32-year-old expects Newcastle to challenge for a Uefa Cup spot.

He said: "This club is all set up for European football.

"Hopefully, the results will keep going our way like they did at the end of last season.

"If we play like we did in the last third of the season, the results will continue to come."