Newcastle United midfielder Gael Bigirimana is happy with the chance the Europa League has granted him.

Bigirimana is expected to feature against Metalist Kharkiv tomorrow night.

"Europe is an opportunity for us as young players and it is up to me to work as hard as I can to be involved," said the 19-year-old, who joined from Coventry City in the summer.

"I have signed a big, long contract (five years) but I'm still young so I am just trying to learn and improve every day.

"Now it is up to the manager but I am here if he needs me.

"The Premier League is very important but we want to win the Europa League and, with the new players, our squad has a lot of options so it is what we are all aiming for."