DARREN AMBROSE admits that Jermaine Jenas is his inspiration as he seeks to establish himself with Newcastle, writes Clive Hetherington.

Ambrose has yet to start a senior game for United since his £1m-plus move from Ipswich last season.

But he has proved something of a talisman for the Magpies in Europe, scoring on his club debut in the 5-0 UEFA Cup first-round romp at home to NAC Breda and also appearing as a substitute in the 1-0 second-leg victory, and the 3-2 triumph in Basel three weeks ago.

Fellow midfielder Jenas arrived on Tyneside just over a year before Ambrose in a £5m move from Nottingham Forest, and has made such an impact that Kieron Dyer has already tipped him as a future England captain.

Ambrose, at 19 a year younger than Jenas, said: "JJ is an inspiration. He signed here at the same age as me and he's gone on to play for England and been named young player of the year.

"If I can do half of what he has done in the next few years, I'll be very pleased.''

Ambrose, on the bench for tonight's second-leg clash with Basel, added: "I scored on my debut and we won the other European games I appeared in. I'll be hoping for another appearance this time, but hoping more for a win.''

Read more about Newcastle United FC here.