Josh Ward-Hibbert believes he belongs on the European basketball stage after taking Newcastle Eagles to within touching distance of back-to-back playoffs.

The men in black are just one win away from guaranteeing their place in this season’s European North Basketball League (ENBL) quarter-finals.

And Ward-Hibbert leads undefeated Newcastle into action against Valmiera Glass VIA — Seneca Knight’s former club — tonight confident of claiming another historic win in Latvia.

“I’ve played in European leagues before and I feel comfortable playing with the Eagles in the ENBL,” said the 30-year-old guard.

“I feel dynamic every time I step out on court. I can definitely do damage at this level and have massive impacts on a team winning.

“For sure I feel confident facing Valmiera again. We’ve got to be going into the game with a lot of positivity.

“We’re going to approach that game the same way we approach any other game and hopefully come out on top.”

The Eagles are back on the road after Friday’s narrow Trophy win against Leicester, looking to stretch an impressive 5-0 record in ENBL Group A.

Buoyed by an incredible comeback victory against the previously unbeaten CSO Voluntari at the Vertu Motors Arena last week, Marc Steutel’s men are favourites to make it six wins from six.

And Ward-Hibbert agrees Newcastle’s never-say-die attitude has become the trademark of a team that’s gained a reputation for fighting until the final buzzer.

“Every game is just another game for us and we don’t look too far ahead,” said the 6ft 5in Great Britain international.

“Whether it’s Europe or Super League Basketball, whatever it may be, I don’t think that changes how we approach things.

“Even at this stage of the season every game is a building block.

“We’re a good team with a good locker room and we’ve got a big connectivity. As a group we just want to win every game.”

Whether finishing with a bang or repelling a late surge, Newcastle keep finding ways to win in the dying stages.

And the Eagles have form in Latvia after snatching a first European away win in franchise history at the Valmiera Olympic Centre last season.

Newcastle won 90-74 after outrebounding their hosts and forcing 16 steals on foreign soil.

But Knight led all scorers with 19 points for Valmiera — an impressive offensive showing that would seal the deal ahead of a summer switch to Tyneside.

Ward-Hibbert added two assists and four points to his seven rebounds during a typically gutsy display that night.

But the former London and Leicester man has taken his game to another level this season and few would bet against a big improvement on those numbers in what promises to be a fascinating rematch.

Knight’s return, coupled with the chance to become the first team to beat the Eagles in the ENBL this season, is sure to fire up Nikolajs Mazurs’ men.

And in-form Valmiera take on Newcastle fresh from Saturday’s thrilling 78-76 win against top four rivals Kalev/Cramo in the Estonian-Latvian League.

The hosts trailed 26-7 after the first quarter only to lead by a point at the half and close out the win that keeps VIA within three points of top spot.

Tonight’s action is live and free to view via the ENBL’s YouTube channel.