Are We As Good As Man U and Arsenal?

At the heart of Newcastle's renaissance in the last couple of weeks has been Parker, with the combative midfielder regularly putting in the type of displays that have in the past prompted talk of a World Cup place.

The former Charlton favourite and Chelsea misfit believes Newcastle are already playing at the level of Manchester United and Arsenal, confident that a top six finish is not beyond them.

Parker: "I believe we are as good as Manchester United and Arsenal. On our day we can beat anyone. We have to be up there and finishing where they are. The money which has been invested doesn't allow us to be ending up in the bottom half of the table.

"We're looking for at least a top six finish and we're capable of it. I don't think it is an amazing league this year. Apart from Chelsea, everyone else can beat whoever, so the key is to achieve back-to-back wins and suddenly you're looking in the right way."