JERMAINE JENAS believes Newcastle's return to the Champions League can be the launchpad for a genuine challenge to Manchester United and Arsenal's Premiership duopoly.

The Magpies sealed a place in Europe's leading club competition for a second successive season by beating Birmingham 1-0 on Saturday, and also secured third spot in the Premiership - one rung of the ladder higher than last term.

But midfielder Jenas stressed that only a major improvement in his side's performances against the big two can upset the established order in the English game. Newcastle gleaned only a point against the two heavyweights this season, at home to Arsenal in a 1-1 draw.

And Jenas said: "We consider ourselves a Champions League team now; this will be our second season running in the competition. Hopefully, we will be able to do a bit better next season.

"We had a good run in the Champions League this season, and now we have got the experience of being involved, maybe we can develop that and go further.

"We weren't that far from the quarter-finals this season and we've finished third in the Premiership after being fourth last season, so a slight improvement next season and you never know.

"I think we have the players, the talent and the ability to get to where we need to be.

"But we definitely need to improve our results against Man. United and Arsenal.

"They are the top two in the Premiership and it's important that you take points off them.

"If you don't, there's always a good chance they are going to finish above you. They have that little extra quality and that's what we're striving for.''

The season has been a personal triumph for 20-year-old Jenas, whose emergence was recognised by his fellow professionals when he was named PFA Young Player of the Year.

In February, a year after Sir Bobby Robson had signed him from Nottingham Forest for £5m, Jenas won his first senior England cap as a substitute in the defeat by Australia at West Ham.

Now he admits: "I want to get a start with England; that would be another achievement for me.

"I had a few targets this season. I wanted to be around the England set-up and I knew that if I was playing regularly for Newcastle, I had a chance.

"I also wanted to score goals and develop my game and I feel I've done that. It's been a good season for me and hopefully I can do it again next season.''

Jenas, meanwhile, insists his teammates will keep the momentum going in the final game of the season at West Brom on Sunday. Having guaranteed a Champions League berth a year ago, Newcastle lost their last match at Southampton 3-1.

Jenas said: "We want to go out on a high at West Brom because we didn't do that last season.''