Newcastle United defender Kieran Trippier has set a 'minimum' target for the Magpies to hit in the Premier League.
His free-kicks against Everton and Aston Villa respectively showcased his supreme quality but a foot injury drew his first half-season at St James' Park to a premature halt.
Back fully fit and hungry for the new season ahead, Trippier is setting the standards high but insists Newcastle must be realistic.
"For sure we don't want to be in a relegation fight," the England international told the Mirror . "Every game is tough. You want to finish top half of course! Minimum? You always set the standards high.
"Europe and all that... sometimes you have to be realistic because the league is so powerful. But step by step we will get there."
Trippier also made comparisons to Manchester City's takeover in 2008. The Citizens approached the takeover with a long-term vision - investing in the academy and gradually building a side capable of competing at the highest echelons of European football.
Newcastle are assembling a strong squad under Eddie Howe, but the 31-year-old isn't expecting the Magpies to spend rashly in the transfer market.
"This club, for god knows how many years, has not had the success it could have," Trippier said. "With the changes here there is a bright future but we need patience as well. It is a building project.
"It would be easy to take over a club like ours and go for top players. That won't happen. We have to be realistic. It will take a few years. But it is only upwards now.
"As a player I don't want to get too far ahead. We need to keep building gradually. We know how far the club can go, but we know how demanding the Premier League is. You can't take anything for granted."
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