Newcastle United are currently third in the Championship table.
Matt Ritchie is under no illusions about how tough the Championship is but says the aim is to finish at the top of the pile when asked where Newcastle United will finish this term, Sky Sports report.
Newcastle have made a solid start to life in the Championship, recovering from two opening defeats to win seven of the next nine to rise to third in the table at the second international break.
The Magpies are without doubt among the favourites to earn promotion back to the Premier League, and Rafa Benitez’s side are now appearing in good shape after a surprisingly slow start.
Ritchie understands the rigours of Championship football, but he is backing his side to progress as the season goes on with a place at the top of the table very much the aim come next May.
“The aim is top of the league. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a tough league and I don’t say that lightheartedly. It’s going to be a tough, long season but hopefully we get progressively better and keep winning games,” the Scotland international told Sky Sports.
Ritchie opted to leave Premier League side Bournemouth for Newcastle in the summer, a signing which indicates the attraction of the Tyneside club even when playing outside the top flight.
The talented winger, 27, has one goal and three assists to his name in nine league starts this season and he will be one of a number of Newcastle players now looking to push on after an initial settling period.
Newcastle return to action from the international break with a home game against Brentford, before travelling to Oakwell in midweek where they take on a Barnsley side who have lost three of their last four games.
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