Alan Pardew eager to improve record in cup competitions

Alan Pardew has admitted that he is desperate to improve his record in the cup competitions at Newcastle United.

The Magpies meet Tottenham Hotspur in a League Cup quarter-final tie on Wednesday, and Pardew is keen for his side to take advantage of the opportunity for the travelling supporters, who return to North London less than a week after a 4-1 loss at Arsenal.

"I love the cup competitions. I've not really had too much joy here," the Newcastle boss told reporters.

"I just hope that whatever happens that we put a performance on for four 4,000 fans. There are not many clubs who would go to Arsenal, come all the way back up, have a rest and then go back down to London again.

"We are now going to try and take this opportunity. It's about grasping it. I have played in quarter-finals before and there is just extra meaning to it. You just sense it. You are close."

Newcastle beat Spurs 2-1 at White Hart Lane when the two sides met in the Premier League in October.