Alexander Isak has insisted that Newcastle United players will not get ahead of themselves in the race for the Champions League.
The Magpies sit in the top four at the halfway stage and have pulled away from fifth-placed Tottenham Hotspur. United can cement their position away to Crystal Palace on Saturday night at Selhurst Park as Isak looks to add more minutes to his fitness levels after a four-month stint on the sidelines with a thigh injury.
Isak told Chronicle Live: "There is still a long way to go. We have only played half of the season so I think the guys are aware of that. We have to take each game at a time, we will see."
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The £63million man also says Newcastle must keep the attitude that has got them to the position they now find themselves in.
Isak said: "We don't need to look too far forward, we have to stay humble and keep working hard. I am confident that this group will not have a problem with that (staying where we are). We just keep working hard."
Isak grabbed his first goal since returning from injury in the 1-0 win over Fulham after coming off the bench and joining an Eddie Howe team that used gung-ho tactics to win the game.
The striker said: "I think we showed our character against Fulham. All of the guys who started and the guys who came in really showed character. We stuck together and forced the win."
And looking ahead to the clash in the capital at the weekend, Isak can't wait to test himself against a tough Palace team.
The £63million man looked forward to the game and said: "It's going to be a tough game as normal. But we will prepare for that one the same way and hopefully we can get a good result.
"I feel fit, not perfect, but I am getting there and using every opportunity to get better. I enjoyed getting some minutes and I think we have a wide and good squad. We can play in different ways."
Isak's joy was there for all to see as he celebrated with team-mates at the Gallowgate End on Sunday. Looking back on that big moment, he said: "I’m happy with my goal return, that’s part of why I’m here, to score goals and help the team win games.
"My last goal was on the other side at the Leazes End and I've only heard good things about scoring in the Gallowgate. It was really special, it was incredible."
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