Alan Pardew unaware of Europa League opponents

Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew has admitted that he knows little about Europa League last-16 opponents Metalist Kharkiv.

The Magpies were drawn against the Ukrainian side, who finished top of Group K, on Thursday.

When asked if he had much knowledge of Metalist, Pardew told reporters: "Not much, really.

"I do know it's a long journey, I've had a look at that, and they won their group, so it's a tough agenda for us.

"It's a tough draw in terms of travel; the opposition, I know very little about. I can't even comment on that until such time as we do some studying."

Newcastle welcome Metalist Kharkiv to St James' Park on Thursday, February 14 and make the trip to the Ukraine for the return leg on Thursday, February 21.