ANDY O'Brien wants to be remembered on Tyneside as part of a United team that ended the 36-year wait for silverware, rather than a side that broke the Magpies record for consecutive wins.

The hard-fought 1-1 draw at Portsmouth may have ended Newcastle's chances of creating a historical nine in a row winning sequence, but O'Brien says he wasn't too disappointed as it did extend their unbeaten run to 12 matches.

"We would have liked to have got the record," admitted O'Brien. "It was mentioned in the dressing room before the game, but it wasn't to be.

"I think we were a little tired out there and a point isn't a bad result against a side like Portsmouth who are desperate to get the points they need to make sure they aren't relegated.

"We've had a very good run of results and we've managed to turn our season around. It was just important to remain unbeaten.

"When all is said and done, nobody would have remembered us if we had won nine games on the trot.

"We'd much rather go down in history as the side which won a trophy for the first time in 36 years than a side who won nine games in a row, but didn't win anything."

While the majority of his team-mates jetted off to Dubai after last weekend's draw at Fratton Park, O'Brien, and Shay Given, joined up with their Republic of Ireland international colleagues ahead of their World Cup qualifier against Israel and the friendly with China.

The 24-year-old defender, who performed admirably on the south coast in place of the injured Titus Bramble, says he does not envy the Magpies' second jolly in as many months to the middle east.

"I'm sure the lads will have a nice trip, they seemed to enjoy it last time, but I don't want a holiday," he said.

"I know exactly where I'd rather be, and that is in Dublin with Ireland. I've waited for too long to get a run of games in the Republic side and I don't want to stop now.

"Things have started to go well for me at international level and I want it to continue. Playing for Ireland is very important to me and I've got the chance to establish myself as their first-choice centre-half."

When O'Brien returns from international duty he and his United team-mates face an intensive run of fixtures, starting with a home clash against Aston Villa, followed by a UEFA Cup quarter finals double header with Sporting Lisbon. They then face an FA Cup semi final against Manchester United before heading off to Norfolk to face Norwich in the Premiership.

Unlike the squad who jetted off to Dubai, O'Brien and his fellow internationals won't have had the benefit of sunshine break when they return to action early next month.

"I think we could all do with a break from the Premiership," he admitted. "We've had a very hectic run of games in which there has been a lot of pressure.

"I think you get as tired mentally as you do physically. We've just got to hope that the lads who've gone on international duty don't come back with any injuries.

"There are a few of us with some minor knocks and strains, but the manager will hope to have a fully fit squad when we all get back.

"It's going to be a very important stage of the season for us when we come back to Newcastle and we hope to start where we have left-off. We've had a long unbeaten run and we've won a lot of games as well, things have been going very well."

Meanwhile, former fans' favourite Nolberto Solano has not ruled out a return to St James' Park.

Manager Graeme Souness has admitted he inquired about bringing the former winger back to Tyneside.

Solano added to the speculation saying: "I've good memories of Newcastle. I had a great time there and still have a house there. We'll see what happens. It's in Villa's hands - not mine."