VERSATILE defender Aaron Hughes is refusing to rest on his laurels, despite playing a major part in turning the Magpies' dream of Champions League qualification into reality.

The Northern Ireland international is banking on the team to prosper from their successful season, and next year bring that all-important silverware back Tyneside.

And Hughes, who started this term at centre-half before making the right-back spot his own, is still unhappy at United missing out on FA Cup success.

"The only downside this season was the FA Cup," he said.

"We were a bit unlucky and we should have beaten Arsenal up at St James' Park. It was always going to be difficult down there and so it proved

"That's the only pity - we haven't won a trophy.

"But we have the consolation that we're in the Champions league and hopefully next year a trophy!"

The 22-year-old already knows all about Europe's number one competition after making his debut for the Magpies as a raw 18-year-old in the Champions League back in 1997 - at Barcelona's Nou Camp.

Since then Hughes has developed into one of the Premiership's most accomplished defenders and has captained his country, but he still believes he has lots to learn.

"I'm a wee bit older, a wee bit wiser. I've enjoyed the years since but we haven't had the success that we should have had over these last few years.

"But this season has certainly been a success. I've learned a lot since Barcelona, but I'm still learning."

The only other survivors at the club from the last Champions League campaign are Shay Given and Alan Shearer - the skipper missing it all through injury.

But Hughes says there is no reason why Newcastle should not be playing in Europe's top competition every year - both for players and the fans - and with chairman Freddy Shepherd promising the funds to finance squad reinforcements, Newcastle will have a minimum target next season of European qualification.

"A club this size - that is where we should be playing," he said.

"It's not just great for us it's great for all the fans. They have been great all season, especially in away games.

"We never don't sell all our tickets for away games and they've done a lot of travelling - this is a success for them."

The fans themselves will have the chance to celebrate tomorrow when a party atmosphere is guaranteed at St James' Park for the visit of West Ham United.

And despite the supporters failing to see their heroes' title tilt not lasting the distance, 23-year-old Hughes believes it was only in two or three games where Newcastle lost out in the battle with Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool.

"We knew it was going to be very very tough and we were just taking it a game at a time.

"But we slipped up in a couple of games when it really mattered. Next year we want to be up there again and next year we'll be looking to win those couple of games.

"But at the moment we're not dwelling on that because what we have done is achieved something."

* Newcastle Academy boss Alan Irvine has joined Everton as number two to new boss David Moyes.

Toffee's manager Moyes said "We are delighted that Alan has decided to join us and he will arrive at the club at the end of the season."

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