Cheick Tiote believes that Newcastle United can emulate their achievements of three seasons ago and finish in the top five of the Premier League once more.
The Magpies have been unable to build on their success since then, falling away at the turn of last year before finishing in 10th place.
However, Tiote says that after strengthening this summer, Newcastle are well placed to push on in the coming campaign.
"We will try to win every game and finish near the top," the 28-year-old is quoted as saying by Goal.com. "You never know with the Premier League. You can't say we will finish third, fourth, fifth or sixth, because it's really tough.
"But I think for us it's important to be ready for the start of the season and try to win every game like we did two years ago when we finished fifth. The more games we win the better chance we will have of finishing in the top five rather than the top 10.
"I think it's possible this squad can repeat fifth place from two years ago, because we've got the players and have brought in some real quality. We just have to work hard, because it's not easy to finish there in the Premier League."
Newcastle round off their pre-season with a friendly against Real Sociedad at St James' Park tomorrow afternoon.
Daniel Lewis
