JERMAINE JENAS has admitted Newcastle are mystified by the dismal away form that is threatening their Champions League ambitions.

Midfielder Jenas, who is with England preparing for tonight's friendly against Sweden in Gothenburg, featured in a Magpies' side beaten 1-0 at Bolton on Sunday.

In marked contrast to their impressive home form, Sir Bobby Robson's men have now gone ten Premiership away games without a win and Jenas confessed: "For some reason, things just aren't clicking on our travels.

"We're not playing the football we were playing last season and we need to start grinding out results. If we're not playing well, we need to start fighting and digging in.

"I can't explain it - it's a mystery to us all. We played on Thursday in Mallorca, so there might have been a few tired legs at Bolton.

"It was obvious from day one that there would be a scrap for fourth place in the Premiership. Nobody will give up on it easily because there is a big reward on offer.

"We expect a scrap, but we are ready for it and we just have to start performing better away from home.''

Jenas added: "It's good to be with England. I think it's nice to get away from the club now and again and meet up with the England lads. It's refreshing.

"Hopefully the other lads will come back from the internationals this week feeling a lot more lively and ready to dig in for the scrap for the Champions League.''

Jenas is joined by Newcastle teammate Jonathan Woodgate, who has forced his way back into the international fold after injury problems this season.

Defender Woodgate is hoping to make Sven-Goran Eriksson's squad for Euro 2004, and Jenas is endorsing his claims.

He said: "Woody is a very consistent performer and he has been great for us.

"He is dominant at the back and he has been playing well. It's nice for him to be finally able to meet up with the England squad because he has had injuries. I'm delighted for him.

"A place in the team is there for the taking for someone like him. He's a great player, Sven knows that, and if he continues to play well, hopefully he will be able to get himself into that centre-half spot."