Steve Clarke still wants Europe for West Brom

The Baggies lead the Magpies by eight points ahead of the Hawthorns clash after last season's Premier League surprise package struggled to cope with the extra demands of the Europa League.

But Clarke believes Albion must retain their own European ambitions for future years.

Their flying start to this season set fans dreaming of a Europa League campaign before a tough mid-winter spell scuppered their chances.

Clarke said: "It can be tough in Europe, but I don't think anything should get in the way of your ambition.

"If you have a chance to qualify for the Europa League then that's what you should do and you should take your chances, like Newcastle did.

"They qualified for the quarter-finals, which was a great achievement.

"I've got some friends at Newcastle and I know they really enjoyed their Europa League adventure.

"They enjoyed the trips, the games and the challenges against players from different countries. Being wrapped into the whole European package is great.

"If you have the chance to do it as a coach, a player, a manager or a supporter, you have to try to do it and embrace it."

Alan Pardew's side head for The Hawthorns on the back of a 3-0 derby defeat at home to Sunderland on Sunday.

But Clarke expects a tough game against a Newcastle team who are just five points clear of the relegation zone with five games to play.

He said: "I went up to watch them at the weekend and it was a great atmosphere and a really good performance by Sunderland.

"Derby games are different. They are one-offs. I think Sunderland maybe got Newcastle at a good time, when they had just been knocked out of the Europa League.

"And as Alan Pardew said, there was maybe a little bit of tiredness mentally and physically. But they have had a fresh week this week.

"I'm sure they will be fired up to get the win they need to cement their position in the Premier League for next season."