OLIVIER Bernard has no fears about playing at Liverpool on the final day of the season - but the French full-back hopes the battle for fourth spot has already been won by then.

Newcastle trail Gerard Houllier's side by a point going into this afternoon's home game with Everton following last weekend's setback at Bolton.

That tame defeat raised questions about the Magpies being able to withstand the pressures of a run-in that will see crucial clashes with both Arsenal and Chelsea before a possible date with destiny at Anfield.

With Birmingham, Aston Villa and Charlton all still a part of the Champions League equation, things could not be closer with just eight games of the season to go.

Seven wins could see Newcastle home and hosed before the final day of the campaign but, while that remains the optimal outcome, Bernard insists that United will not be fazed if things go right to the wire.

"If we have to beat Liverpool away on the last day of the season then we will," said Bernard. "But the important thing is that we make sure we don't drop any points until that game.

"We know we need to push on now and finish the season strongly. We're one point behind Liverpool and anything can still happen.

"We're ready to finish the season strongly. We're training hard and we know we're stronger than a lot of teams in England.

"The manager has told us that we can't afford to throw any more points away. We've got to win every game we play to make sure we get that fourth spot.

"We could claw Liverpool back this weekend as long as we beat Everton, but we have to win our games. It's not about what anyone else is doing now - it's all about Newcastle."

Bernard has been one of United's success stories this season, making the left-back berth his own with a series of impressive displays.

A new-found defensive maturity has been allied to the rampaging runs that have characterised his career since he made his debut for the Magpies in July 2001.

The 24-year-old learned his defensive trade while serving a lengthy apprenticeship on loan at Darlington, but regular Premiership football has helped to polish the rougher edges of his game.

"I think I've improved in terms of my positioning," admitted Bernard. "I've made a lot of progress in that respect because my starting position is a lot better.

"That makes it easier for me to get forward and I think my all-round game has improved as a result."

Bernard's form might have been attracting rave reviews on this side of the Channel but he has still been unable to force his way into Jacques Santini's French squad ahead of this summer's European Championships.

Compatriot Laurent Robert, who was sent off when Newcastle played at Goodison Park this season, voiced his frustration after being overlooked by Santini again this week.

Bernard said: "Laurent deserves his chance because of the way he's been playing this season. He could have won one or two caps over the last couple of years."