GET THE BEERS on ice because Tyneside is set for the mother of all parties next month.
That is at least according to Newcastle legend Shay Given as he confidently declared: “This is the year!”
PAShay Given (right) has backed Eddie Howe (left) to deliver a trophy at Newcastle[/caption]
GettyNewcastle are hoping Alexander Isak can fire them to Wembley[/caption]
The 1955 FA Cup is the last piece of major silverware that the Magpies lifted, however, that long-wait for more is about to end with “Playstation-like” Alexander Isak firing them to glory.
Having seen them blow it several times over the past seven decades, few of the Toon Army are allowing themselves to dream just yet.
That is even despite them going into tonight’s Carabao Cup semi-final second-leg on home turf with a 2-0 lead over Arsenal.
Though Given, who spent 12 years as No1 at Newcastle, has no splinters in his backside as he nailed his black and white colours firmly to the cup.
He believes that after coming so close to winning it two years ago when they were beaten by Man Utd, the former Irish star insists they’ll go one better this time around.
And that is despite them losing their last two matches on home turf.
Given said: “Look, it’s been 70 years. Even if you’re a neutral fan that doesn’t even support Newcastle it must be getting to the stage where you just wish that their fans could do it.
“We’re talking about generations of fans that have just never seen it before. You know, it’s so long. It’s crazy when you think about it.
LATEST OFFERS
“I just hope they can get the job done with Arsenal and then of course get to the final.
“A lot of players will have played in that final as well, which is a good thing I think, because they can use that experience to help them as well.
“So yeah, let’s go with it. This is the year, man. This is the year.”
Given is one of those that have come agonisingly close to delivering glory to the long-suffering Toon Army.
He was part of the Newcastle squad that suffered two-successive FA Cup Final defeats in the late 90s.
That side even included the club’s all-time top scorer Alan Shearer in its ranks.
But Given believes the Magpies now possess another great leading the line in Isak.
He said: “The goal against Southampton recently, if you slow it down and look at the angle and his run. His first touch made the goal, just the way he touches with his left away from the defender and then placed it in the corner. It’s nearly like PlayStation stuff.
“It was the perfect movement from a forward. We see many forwards in the Premier League and snatching at stuff when they get through on goal, he seems to go the opposite.
“He seems to just go into sort of ice cold mode in the head and everything just seems to be in slow motion for him.
“I just think he’s a real deal. I really do. There’s a lot of clubs who wish they could have him.”
As Given knows full well himself, nothing is ever straightforward when it comes to Newcastle United Football Club.
And after a 4-1 stuffing at home to Bournemouth was followed by a 2-1 loss to Fulham on Saturday, nerves are jangling that Arsenal could make it an unwanted hat-trick of setbacks at St James’.
Shay Given was part of the Toon side beaten by Arsenal in the 1998 FA Cup FinalPA:Press Association
Given, though, has other thoughts regarding the recent setbacks on Tyneside, saying: “Maybe it was the perfect tonic leading into the semi.
“The psychology of the Newcastle players and I suppose the crowd as well will be like this is not over yet and I’m sure that’s the message that Eddie will have. He was sending that straight after the game.
“You know, if Arsenal get an early goal, then it’s an anxious night, isn’t it? So there’s so much to do yet in the tie.
“Newcastle never seem to do it the easy way but to earn something like this, it’s never easy, is it? So they’ve got a lot of work still to do but they’re in a good position and have to use what they’ve done.
“I wouldn’t want to see too much of a defensive sort of job. I’d like to see Newcastle on the front foot again and try and get a goal themselves, you know, rather than trying to defend the 2-0 lead.
“You have to go with a nil nil mentality. That’s why I think that you start the game on the front foot, especially at home. The last thing the crowd and Eddie will want is a nervy start.
“There’s a big prize at stake, a place at Wembley. That’ll be all on everyone’s mind, players and fans.
“I think Eddie Howe’s teams, and credit to Eddie and his staff, that’s how he’s always went about his business, home and away.”
Shay Given is a brand ambassador for sports betting platform CopyBet. Visit CopyBet.com
How ‘big angel’ Joelinton rescued boss after he fainted in Subway
NEWCASTLE cult hero Joelinton rescued his old boss after he fainted in Subway.
And coach Pellegrino Matarazzo still calls the Brazilian his ‘angel’.
Matarazzo was Joelinton assistant manager during the midfielder’s spell in Germany with Hoffenheim.
Recalling the scary incident, the Matarazzo revealed: “I was standing in the queue and I wasn’t feeling well.
“I tried to go over to the Coca-Cola machine to quickly get a drink.
“I realised I was about to faint, and I did faint.
“When I opened my eyes I saw Joelinton! ‘Rino, Rino, are you okay?’
“He was like a small, no a big, angel – Joelinton, what are you doing here?”
Creator – [#item_custom_dc:creator]
