Dyer hopes to banish bad memories

Newcastle midfielder Kieron Dyer returns to European action against Zulte Waregem tonight, desperate to improve on his last mission to the Continent.

The 28-year-old, who resumed his international career last Wednesday after his latest injury nightmare, has good reason to remember the last time he played in the Uefa Cup.

Dyer's side had one foot in the semi-finals two seasons ago when they led Sporting Lisbon 2-0 on aggregate at the Jose Alvalade Stadium in the second leg of their quarter-final.

But the former Ipswich star's involvement was ended prematurely by a hamstring tear - and with him went Newcastle's chances as they slumped to a 4-1 defeat on the night.

With no meaningful European football at St James' Park last season following the club's exit from the Intertoto Cup at the hands of Deportivo La Coruna and injuries having kept Dyer out of their 10 games to date this season, he has had to wait for his chance.

But now it has arrived, he is not prepared to pass it up.

"I have been looking forward to playing in Europe. It has been a long time," said Dyer. "I have always enjoyed playing in Europe, and it is great to be back.

"I honestly did not know anything about Zulte Waregem when the draw was made. But the manager has had them watched - and by kick-off time, we will be ready for them.

"There will not be any complacency from us. We know we have got to get a result to take back to St James's Park - and we hope that will mean an away goal."

Newcastle manager Glenn Roeder has left his players in little doubt as to the importance of their trip to Belgium as they attempt to secure European football for next season - something they will do only by either winning the competition or improving their position in the Barclays Premiership table.

That is something Roeder is confident remains within their grasp.

"We want to go as far as we can - that goes without saying. Newcastle as a club has a need to be in Europe every season," said the former West Ham boss.

"We need to try to achieve that - and I still believe, with the amount of games left, we have an opportunity to achieve a place in Europe through our finishing league position this year.

"Of course, if we can go all the way in the Uefa Cup that will give us another opportunity."