THE uncertainty surrounding Newcastle United's 22nd post-war manager is rubbing off on the squad, with Turkish midfielder Emre claiming he will reassess his options when an appointment has been made.

Since he arrived from Inter Milan in the summer, life on a professional level has not gone to plan at St James' Park.

Graeme Souness, the player's hero from his days in charge of Istanbul giants Galatasaray, promised a push for a Champions League place but that has never materialised.

Instead, with seven Premiership matches remaining, there is little but pride to play for as Newcastle languish in the lower half of the table and some 11 points shy of the top six.

The exit at the quarter-final stage of the FA Cup to Chelsea brought to an end dreams of ending more than 50 years without domestic silverware.

And ending the campaign without anything but an Alan Shearer testimonial to celebrate was, according to Emre, not what he had been expecting from a first season on Tyneside.

"When I joined Newcastle, I thought we could finish in the top six or even qualify for the Champions League. That is how I felt when I arrived. Now it is really difficult. No, it's impossible," said Emre. "I am happy in the dressing room, in the street and in the team but in the summer, I want to think about my future for next season.

"I believe in Newcastle United for the future because the club has potential, in both the team and the supporters. I think this team is still very young. Maybe for my first year, it has been a bit difficult both for me and the team but I believe in the future.

"Maybe I will be here next season, 70 or 80 per cent I will be because I have a five-year contract. I am not going to say I want to go because I do not have other possibilities. I am happy here.

"Of course I need to see who the next manager is but for next year, I don't want to say too much because we have another seven important games."

There has been a suggestion Emre had considered turning his back on the club because of Souness' sacking, but the creative midfielder denies that.

Instead the 25-year-old claims it is the direction the club is heading in that he is looking for reassurances about. "I came here for Newcastle. He (Souness) was my friend but I am a professional. I did not come here for one trainer who wanted me but for a five-year contract," he said.

"The English Premiership is Europe's No.1. It's the best league in the world and that helps. Everyone wants to play here.

"I played five years in Inter Milan and I am at Newcastle. I like this club because they have ambition and want to be like Manchester United or Arsenal. The club has potential."

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