Sunday’s 2-0 victory over Liverpool moved Newcastle 11 points clear in the hunt for European qualification, and the former Southampton boss believes his side only need three more wins to secure their place in the continent's second-tier competition.

"The greatest reward I can give these fans is European football," Pardew told The Evening Chronicle. "That's what we are trying to do.

"The fans can dream about Champions League or even winning the league. I couldn't care less.

"But we have put them in the mix. Three victories will be pretty close to a Europa League place."

Newcastle travel to face Swansea on Friday, knowing victory could see them temporarily draw level with fifth-place Chelsea.

However, Pardew is aware that Brendan Rodgers' men will provide difficult opposition at the Liberty Stadium.

"We have had a focus all year about looking at the next game. Swansea is a tough place to go, they've done brilliantly at home," he said.

"The way they play they move the ball around means it will be different to Liverpool. And we will have to find the right answers."