Papiss Cisse admits Newcastle United players are surprised by their top four chance.

After weeks of denying Newcastle could book a Euro place, boss Pards is now gunning for the Champions League.

Cisse told The Sun: "Everyone is trying to stay calm. But of course it would be fantastic for this club to be in the Champions League. We don't really want to talk about it as we must take it match by match but of course it's difficult not to think about it. We are now so close.

"It is within touching distance and yet still there are five games to go, which is a long way. Of course I've watched the results in other matches. That is only natural. I'm human.

"Chelsea scored in the last minute against Wigan which was a shame for us but there are still five games and 15 points at stake. We must keep going and giving everything - but it's my dream to play in the Champions League.

"We're in there with several other teams in with a chance of making it. I can't believe it but we are."