DARREN Ambrose last night predicted that the nerve-wracking finish to the season would bring the best out of Newcastle United.

The current Magpies side could etch their name into the history books if they were to lift the UEFA Cup and qualify for the Champions League next month.

But, if things weren't to go to plan, they could find themselves finishing the campaign empty-handed and without any European football to look forward to next season.

With a maximum of six games still to play, there are certain to be more twists and turns before United's fate is sealed.

And, with Saturday's trip to Manchester City the latest in a long list of must-win games for the Magpies, Ambrose is relishing being involved in such a crucial run of games.

"It's very exciting to be involved in such a tight race," said the 20-year-old. "It can get a bit nerve-wracking, but the adrenalin's flowing and, for a young player like me, it's just great to have a role.

"Until (Liverpool and Aston Villa both won) last weekend the race had swung in our favour - things had gone well for us.

"With so many Sunday fixtures, I've been glued to the television on a Saturday waiting to discover how the teams around are getting on. It's a tense time for everyone - players and supporters.

"But it's all to play for and that can't be bad. We're pushing for fourth place in the most competitive league in the world and who wouldn't want to be part of that?"

Ambrose struggled to find his feet in the first half of the season but, since then, the energetic right midfielder has played an increasingly prominent role in Newcastle's fortunes.

The surprise sale of Nolberto Solano to Aston Villa, and persistent injuries to Kieron Dyer and Lee Bowyer, have thrust him into the limelight as United have launched a twin assault on both the domestic and the European front.

Stepping into Solano's shoes wasn't easy as the Peruvian was a firm fans' favourite and most Newcastle supporters were opposed to his exit from the club.

But Ambrose has gradually won over those who questioned the merits of his £1.5m move from Ipswich and, against Chelsea on Sunday, the youngster provided a glimpse of just what he could be capable of in the future.

"Hopefully the fans see me for who I am now, and not just as Nobby's replacement," said Ambrose.

"You can't hide in the Premiership. Everyone will see it, so you've just got to put your foot in and do the things you can do and try to help the team as much as you can.

"It's been a steep learning curve for me. I've tried to adapt as quickly as possible but it helps having so many experienced players around you.

"It was daunting to come in and see the likes of Alan Shearer and Gary Speed in the changing room at first.

"I used to watch Alan Shearer play for England when I was really little, and coming here and seeing him face to face in the changing room was a big thing for me."

Ambrose's form could be crucial in the final month of the campaign as Newcastle battle to overcome a midfield injury crisis that is stretching their resources to the limit.

Bowyer and Jermaine Jenas look like missing the rest of the season and, while Kieron Dyer's hamstring is responding well to treatment, the England international is still unlikely to make the UEFA Cup semi-final second leg in Marseille in seven days' time.

Those absences have thrust Ambrose and fellow fringe player Hugo Viana into the limelight, and the England Under-21 international is happy to make the most of an unexpected opening.

"The last couple of weeks have been a big opportunity for the likes of me and Hugo," said Ambrose.

"It's always disappointing to hear about injuries to your team-mates but it does open the door to other players."

* Marseille are sweating on the fitness of striker Didier Drogba and skipper Brahim Hemdani ahead of next week's UEFA Cup semi-final second leg. Drogba is nursing a calf problem while Hemdani is a major doubt after injuring his thigh.

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