Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa has insisted that Newcastle United can still look back on their season with pride despite having little to play for for the remainder of the campaign.
The Magpies are eighth in the Premier League, but are 10 points adrift of European qualification and were knocked out fairly early in both domestic cup competitions.
However, Yanga-Mbiwa has stressed that United are determined not to let their campaign peter out, and are actually looking upwards with the intent of climbing the table courtesy of a strong finish.
He told the Evening Chronicle: "First and foremost we want to stay in the top 10 of the Premier League and make sure we get as many points as we can. If that takes us even higher, then great.
"The last couple of months are all about playing well, putting in good performances and making sure the season finishes well. For me? It has already been a successful season."
"We want the teams above us to be looking over their shoulders as we give them something to think about. And it is not just us players who play a role in that but the fans as well - they are so crucial to us."
Yanga-Mbiwa, who joined from Montpellier for £6.7m in 2013, has made 23 appearances for Newcastle this season.
Joe Fish
