Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew has said that his team are ahead of schedule in their development.

The Magpies' magnificent season has seen rise into sixth place in the Premier League and level on points with fifth-placed Chelsea.

With seven games remaining, Pardew has said that he did not expect to be fighting at the top end of the table and will do everything he can to qualify for Europe.

"I think we're a year ahead of schedule," said Pardew. "I didn't expect us to be fighting as close as we are at the moment for a European spot, but we're going to take the chance in front of us if we can.

"Football doesn't often put an opportunity in front of you, so you've got to try to grasp it. I've been saying that to the players.

"We've got an opportunity, so let's grasp it with both hands and hopefully that's what we'll do in the remaining games."

Newcastle travel to the Liberty Stadium to face Swansea City tomorrow.