Alan Pardew says Newcastle believe they can finish in top four

Alan Pardew

Newcastle manager Alan Pardew says his team believe they can finish in the top four of the Premier League this season.

The St James' Park club missed out on qualifying for the Champions League last season and are 10th at the moment.

But when asked if they could finish in the top four this time, Pardew said: "Yes I do. I genuinely do. I still think we are in a good position."

Newcastle face Liverpool on Sunday, looking for a first league win at Anfield in 18 years.

But Pardew is confident his side can end that barren run.

"I believe I can win every game," Pardew told the BBC's Football Focus programme.

"I am Newcastle manager, I shouldn't be in a job if I don't think I can win every game.

"We beat Manchester United 3-0 at home last year so if that doesn't give you confidence nothing will."

Pardew spoke of his respect for Liverpool and their manager Brendan Rodgers but admitted he had been left baffled by the lack of backing his counterpart received in the summer transfer window.

"I felt for him in the last window because he wasn't given the tools," said Pardew. "He lost a striker that he made clear wasn't the striker for him and he should've been replaced but he wasn't. He was always on the back foot from that."

Pardew fought off a number of approaches for his top players during the transfer window and insisted they would not be allowed to leave on the cheap.

"It was a tough summer. I convinced [owner] Mike [Ashley] that we needed another year with this team," said the Magpies boss.

"We deserved it after last year, so we kept it all together even though some big hitters came in. But they are going to have to pay a lot of money for our players.

"Trust me. We don't sell anyone cheap. Whoever we sell will be at the right price for us to move forward. It is the only way we can compete."

You can watch the full interview with Alan Pardew on Saturday's Football Focus on BBC One at 11:30 GMT.