The 32-year-old Australian ended the last campaign on the treatment table with a persistent Achilles problem, which he hopes will not ultimately require surgery.

Viduka, who experienced European football during his time at Celtic, Leeds and Middlesbrough, would love to do so again in a black and white shirt as he enters the latter stages of his career.

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

"To be involved in European games at St James' 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."

Viduka knows just how much qualification means to them and is confident that will prove a real motivation when the season gets under way.

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."