Magpies glory is No 1 ambition of Dubravka

MARTIN Dubravka is looking forward to playing his part in restoring Newcastle United to its former glory.

The Magpies have been embroiled in relegation battles year after year but the takeover on Tyneside has seen Newcastle become the richest in world football.

While there is still a long way to go until the Toon are competing for the top honours, the ambition shown by the new owners has been well received at St James’ Park.

Dubravka has spoken at length about how difficult the past few years have been on Tyneside, battling against relegation.

The shotstopper said: “It has been a difficult time for us, playing to survive in the Premier League.

“I always said I have ambitions to play in European competitions with Newcastle, so this has always been my dream.

“If you look back at where I have played before, I always played in European competitions - at least the qualification round - so it would be nice to achieve that target here.

“It is mentally very difficult to play every year against relegation, to play to survive.

“That is very difficult and sometimes people don’t realise how difficult that is.

“It would be nice to go higher in the table and enjoy the football a little bit more.

“When you are down there you have so much pressure.

“You need to get the results because you just need to stay up and you want to stay up, to compete with the best ones.

“Now we are in a position where we can enjoy it a little bit with three more games and a job to do. Then we can see where we can go.”

Eddie Howe’s arrival at St James’ Park saw a change in philosophy and the Magpies ascent up the Premier League table is no coincidence.

Slovakian Dubravka recognises he must still improve his game despite being a senior member of the dressing room.

He added: “I am experienced now but I still want to be better.

“I am still working on my personal ambitions, personal improvements, so you have to do it every day.

“When you watch the Champions League and European competitions, football has changed a lot the last two years. Liverpool and Manchester City are great examples - short passing, trying to build it up, not just kicking the ball away.

“We are trying to get there, trying to see where we can improve and you can see a few bits there already.”

Now we are in a position where we can enjoy it a little bit with three more games and a job to do. Then we can see where we can go Martin Dubravka