MOUSSA Sissoko is confident a summer of rebuilding will leave Newcastle United in a much stronger position next season.

Despite bursting on to the scene with three goals in his first four league games after a £1.8m move from French club Toulouse, Sissoko was unable to prevent Newcastle becoming embroiled in a relegation battle at the foot of the table.

The Magpies eventually survived, but having flirted with the drop for much of his time on Tyneside, the midfielder is determined to be part of a more successful outfit next season.

"My first half-a-season here wasn't always easy," said Sissoko. "Results were difficult to come by sometimes and we found ourselves in a difficult position, but our target was met.

"We stayed up, so we did that successfully. Now, it's time to go away, rest up on our holidays, clear our heads and come back stronger for next season. We can go much higher up in the league than we did last season."

Alan Pardew must decide whether to persist with his tactic of playing Sissoko in an advanced attacking midfield position, rather than the more defensive role he was used to filling in Ligue 1.

Sissoko did not appear entirely comfortable in the hole behind a lone striker, although few will forget the impact he made in his first home game in the position against Chelsea.

"The most important thing was probably my first home game," he said. "It was a great game for the whole team but also for me. I scored a brace and I think that'll be the one thing that really sticks in my head when I think back over the last half-a-season.

"I'm pretty much happy with everything, but next season I hope will be better for me, for the team, for the staff and for the whole city."

Meanwhile, Birmingham City manager Lee Clark has outlined his desire to re-sign Newcastle youngster Shane Ferguson on loan next season.

Ferguson made 11 appearances during a ten-week loan spell at St Andrew's, and Clark is keen to retain both the Northern Ireland international and his fellow loanee, Ravel Morrison.

"I have made it common knowledge that I would like to re-sign Ravel and Shane," said Clark. "We have registered our interest in bringing those lads back so that's a possibility. Ravel and Shane have both indicated to me that they would like to come back."