Loic Remy has insisted that the incentive of a potential World Cup call-up for several Newcastle United players means that the club should not fear any other team in the Premier League.
The French international was Newcastle's only summer signing, arriving on a season-long loan deal from Queens Park Rangers, and is poised for his first Magpies start when they travel to Aston Villa on Saturday.
Remy made only one appearance for the national team last season, but believes that a good campaign at St James' Park could fire him into contention for Brazil 2014 should France qualify.
With other Newcastle players also vying for a place at next summer's spectacle, including some of his compatriots, Remy believes that the whole squad will be motivated to perform well against any opposition.
"Yes, the World Cup, it's in my mind - but I'm focused firstly on Newcastle United," he told the Newcastle Chronicle. I'm here to do a good job. If I do I will be able to get back to the national team with France.
"As for the rest of the squad we have no reason to think of anything bad or fear anybody. We have a lot of players who could be playing in the World Cup finals. For us that is a good thing. We are at a very good level."
Remy has four international goals since debuting in 2009.
Joe Fish
