Newcastle must prove class in Europa League battle with Atromitos, warns Pardew

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UPDATED:

18:28 GMT, 22 August 2012

Newcastle boss Alan Pardew has warned his players they will be fighting for the pride of the Barclays Premier League as they attempt to secure their European passage.

The Magpies face Greek side Atromitos in Athens on Thursday night in the first leg of their Europa League play-off, their reward for a fifth place finish in last season's top flight.

However, Pardew knows that will count for little if they do not take the opportunity to book an extended stay on the European stage.

The boss: Newcastle manager Alan Pardew takes training at the Peristeri Stadium on Wednesday

Speaking at the Peristeri Stadium this evening, he said: 'For Atromitos, it's a big game for them – we are a big scalp for this team, we are under no illusions about that.

'We have the utmost respect for the club and for the manager, and also the people, who have welcomed us today in a really lovely manner.

'In the short time we have been here, we have been really warmly received, and I thank the people for that.

'But we must look upon ourselves as ambassadors for the Premier League. We believe it's the strongest league in Europe, and we need to replicate that in terms of the performance we put out.'

Newcastle arrived in Greece this afternoon with several big names conspicuous by their absence, among them skipper Fabricio Coloccini, midfielder enforcer Cheick Tiote and striker Demba Ba.

All three are carrying minor injuries and with a quick turn-around ahead of Saturday's tough trip to Chelsea, Pardew decided to leave them on Tyneside as he attempts to juggle the competing demands on his squad.

European adventure: Yohan Cabaye during a training at the Peristeri Stadium in Athens

He said: 'We have brought everybody who is fit, actually. The guys who have stayed behind are all injured, of which Demba Ba is one, Coloccini, Cheick Tiote – but I think they will be playing on Saturday.

'We have still got three or four younger players who we would like to have brought, but unfortunately, they are injured too, so the senior group is all here.

'The problem for us is just the scheduling, really – not so much the competition – of this particular game because obviously we play Chelsea on Saturday and the heat and the elements here are going to make it difficult for us, so we have tried to factor in all that.

'And also to get a result, that's the most important thing, that Newcastle get a result tomorrow night.

Challenge ahead: Newcastle face Atromitos in the Greek capital on Thursday night

'We are focussing very much on how we are going to win and hopefully we achieve that.'

The absence of some of Pardew's regulars could open the way for the likes of youngsters Gael Bigirimana and Romain Amalfitano, although the manager was giving little away.

Atromitos finished fourth in last season's Greek Super League and will be no pushover on their own park.

Coach Dusan Bajevic knows his team will need a positive result to take to Tyneside next week if they are to stand a chance of progressing, and Pardew will certainly not take the challenge lightly.

He said: 'I hope he doesn't have a surprise for me. He is an experienced coach and well-respected.

'But the coach's experience or surprises are irrelevant to me. I need to just make sure my team is right, and that's what we will focus on.'