Loris Karius believes Newcastle "have no limits" - as Eddie Howe's ambitious side target a top-four finish in the Premier League.
Karius, 29, finally made his debut for Newcastle in a 5-0 win against Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia on Thursday. The goalkeeper joined the Magpies on a short-term deal in September following his Liverpool exit and could be on the move again this month.
Yet Karius hopes to sign a new contract with Newcastle before his existing deal expires. He thinks the club can continue to stun the Premier League after their exciting start to the season, which could cost Liverpool a spot in next season's Champions League.
Newcastle are currently third in the Premier League table, eight points clear of Karius' former club Liverpool in sixth having played a game more. It's likely Howe's side will need to finish above Jurgen Klopp's team if they are to qualify for Europe's primary competition.
Despite Newcastle's mid-season advantage, that remains a tall order. Yet Karius is confident Newcastle can continue to defy expectations. "We have no limit, to be honest," Karius told Newcastle's website when asked about their Premier League target.
"It's important we get a good start... and I'm positive we can achieve great things this season. I think the group has such a strong togetherness that's very unique - and that's what makes me positive that we will carry on the way we started before the break."
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Karius' career has stalled since he made two costly mistakes in Liverpool's Champions League final defeat to Real Madrid in May 2018. Although it was later revealed he suffered a concussion before those errors, he never played another competitive game for Liverpool.
Karius spent two seasons on loan at Turkish giants Besiktas and a term at Bundesliga outfit Union Berlin before returning to Liverpool ahead of the 2021/22 campaign. He was fifth-choice under Klopp last season before leaving Anfield when his contract expired in June.
The German failed to find a club during the summer transfer window but was handed in an opportunity by Newcastle in September when Karl Darlow suffered an ankle injury. He is unlikely to play for the Magpies in the Premier League due to Nick Pope's solid form.
Karius was handed his non-competitive Newcastle debut by manager Howe on Thursday. Joelinton and Miguel Almiron both scored braces in the 5-0 win against Al-Hilal, with youngster Dylan Stephenson also finding the net in Riyadh.
On his Newcastle future, Karius added: "It's been all positive. We're going to have some talks and see what we're going to do, but of course I can see myself here for longer and push [on] and hopefully get some more appearances in the future - also competitive.
"That's my aim, that's what I'm working for every day and, at the same time, I'm supporting all the other guys. I think there's a good chance I can stay here longer, but we'll have to have that discussion over the next [few] weeks."
