Bernard puts his faith in strikers

Newcastle full-back Olivier Bernard is confident his side’s strikers can fire them into the Champions League.

Newcastle have not kept a clean sheet in the Barclaycard Premiership in 10 attempts since drawing 0-0 at Manchester United in January and would be delighted if they could bring an end to that run as champions-elect Arsenal visit St James’ Park on Sunday.

However, while admitting his frustration at that failure to shut out teams, Bernard believes as long as the defence keep things relatively tight at the back, the likes of Alan Shearer and Craig Bellamy will help them pip Liverpool to that fourth place.

“It’s frustrating when you don’t win, but as long as the team wins, it’s not a problem to concede a couple of goals,” he said.

“We’re solid this season so we’re quite happy. We’re just not scoring enough goals.”

Arsene Wenger insists Sylvain Wiltord still has a part to play in Arsenal’s Premiership title campaign after recovering from injury as he also looks to win a place in France’s Euro 2004 squad.