Alan Pardew has admitted that he is desperate to improve his record in the cup competitions at Newcastle United.

The Magpies meet Tottenham Hotspur in a League Cup quarter-final tie on Wednesday, and Pardew is keen for his side to take advantage of the opportunity for the travelling supporters, who return to North London less than a week after a 4-1 loss at Arsenal.

"I love the cup competitions. I've not really had too much joy here," the Newcastle boss told reporters.

"I just hope that whatever happens that we put a performance on for four 4,000 fans. There are not many clubs who would go to Arsenal, come all the way back up, have a rest and then go back down to London again.

"We are now going to try and take this opportunity. It's about grasping it. I have played in quarter-finals before and there is just extra meaning to it. You just sense it. You are close."

Newcastle beat Spurs 2-1 at White Hart Lane when the two sides met in the Premier League in October.