FORMER York City goalkeeper Nick Pope will compete at a European level next season, after Newcastle United confirmed their Champions League qualification on Monday night.

A 0-0 draw with Leicester City meant that Newcastle have guaranteed a top four finish in the Premier League this season, meaning Champions League football awaits for the Toon.

Pope was an integral figure behind that between the sticks, and believes the club are where they are 'on merit'.

The 6'3 shot-stopper played for York in the 2013/14 Sky Bet League Two season, making 22 appearances in his time with the Minstermen.

After a concerning start to the season, Pope's influence on loan from Charlton Athletic saw City end the season strongly and in a play-off position, before losing out in the semi-finals to Fleetwood Town.

Pope has since gone on to build himself an incredible career, being a regular name in the England squad and starring for Eddie Howe's Newcastle.

On their European qualification, Pope enthused to the Newcastle media team: "It's everything we've worked for since we met up in July. A lot of hard work, a lot of effort, a lot of days together and time spent together on the pitch and off-of-the-pitch.

"It's just a combination of all of the work that goes into it, obviously before tonight we were in a good position and we did deserve it, but we had to get over the line and we're there purely on merit.

"It's been amazing, we've had some great consistency with the four that have been in front of me and they've looked after me so well.

"I think we've got better and better each week, we're playing for each other and as five as a unit it's not always easy when that happens.

"We've really learnt off of each other and thrived off of each other."