Drogba's goals have been vital for Marseille's progress

The Ivory Coast striker will spearhead the attack against the English Premiership side at Marseille's Stade Velodrome.

Drogba, 26, has just been voted France's Player of the Year by his fellow professionals after scoring 27 goals this season.

That tally includes nine in both the European Champions League and the Uefa Cup.

"I'll be motivated because people will expect a lot from me for Marseille to qualify on Thursday," said the Ivorian international.

"I've not been that sharp in the past few matches and I want to make up for it in this important tie."

Drogba knows his pace and skill will be vital if Marseille are to make it to the final after a goalless draw in the first leg two weeks ago.

He said; "Scoring goals is my job, I don't feel any more pressure because of that."

I've not been that sharp in the past few matches Didier Drogba

Drogba has been Marseille's saviour on many occasions this season in both the French league and European competitions.

However, he is quick to stress that Marseille are more than just a one-man team.

"If I don't manage to score, Camel (Meriem) or Laurent (Batlles) are capable of doing it instead.

"In the end, the most important thing is to qualify for the final, no matter who scores."

Drogba is in no doubt as to where the key to the Newcastle game lies.

"We'd better not concede any goals, but if we're losing to Newcastle we have the means to fight back, as we did against Liverpool.