Newcastle striker Papiss Cisse has admitted that he wants to replicate the legendary scoring record of former Toon hero Alan Shearer, and is dreaming of playing in the Champions League this season.

The Senegal international has had a lethal goalscoring start to his time on Tyneside, scoring ten goals in his first nine games since joining Alan Pardew's men in the January transfer window.

Cisse has spoken of Shearer in high regard, and is delighted with the start he has made at the Sports Direct Arena.

"I know the No 9 shirt is a huge thing in Newcastle — a monumental honour for me," he confessed to The Sun.

“Alan Shearer has set the bar very high and I must try to follow the path that he’s set. I need to be aware of the past and what the shirt means.

“I’m doing all I can to be worthy. Alan Shearer is the example I have to try and follow. I’m not trying to prove I am as good as him — but to live up to what the shirt means.

“The only way I can do that is by scoring goals and playing well and so far it’s gone better than I imagined," he stated.

Newcastle are currently in fifth, equal on points with Tottenham in the position above them, and the African marksman is eager to finish in the top four.

"Everyone is trying to stay calm. But of course it would be fantastic for this club to be in the Champions League.

“We don’t really want to talk about it as we must take it match by match but of course it’s difficult not to think about it. We are now so close.

“It is within touching distance and yet still there are five games to go, which is a long way," he concluded.

By Gareth McKnight

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