SHAY GIVEN hailed Newcastle’s Carabao Cup heroes but warned they need Champions League qualification to reach “next level”;.
Eddie Howe’s side ended a 70-year domestic trophy drought when beating Liverpool 2-1 at Wembley a fortnight ago.
Toon’s much-loved former goalkeeper Given was part of the Manchester City squad that lifted the 2011 FA Cup to kickstart their Middle East revolution.
But with the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability Rules, the Irishman says it will take Newcastle’s Saudi owners a lot longer to get to the top.
And that is why they cannot rest on their cup-winning laurels this term and must do everything possible to return to the Champions League.
Given, speaking in his role as brand ambassador for sports betting platform CopyBet, told SunSport: “The City lads really kicked on and obviously got the Premier League titles and other things that followed.
“Hopefully it'll be the same sort of pattern for Newcastle but I don't think it'll be straightforward because there's all sorts of different legislations in place now that might make it take longer.
“It's an unbelievable achievement what they have done to lift that burden after 70 years but there is still a prize to play for with Champions League qualification.
“That is, probably for the club to go on to the next level, nearly as important if not more than picking up the Carabao Cup.
“What that would mean is they can strengthen again and regenerate the money back into the playing squad. At the end of the day, that's only where you're going to really challenge for a Premier League title, Champions League and things like that.
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“Eddie Howe and the powers that be in Newcastle understand that as well. So, there's so much to play for this season in the remaining games. It's hugely important to get that Champions League spot.”;
And sealing a return to Europe’s top club competition is not only vitally important for the club coffers and PSR.
It would also help them to keep hold of £150m-rated top scorer Alexander Isak amid interest from Barcelona, Liverpool and Arsenal.
And he insists that the Swedish hitman is the perfect man for Howe to build a side around to challenge the big boys.
Given added: “The one player in the whole squad I don't think you can afford to lose Isak.
“It would send such a wrong message to everyone. It would put you back and leave a massive hole on what probably is the most important position on your team.
“Hopefully Champions League will come and that'll keep others from trying to lure Alexander away.
“He's the player that you can build around for years to come and he's the kind of player that you can challenge at the very top with.”;
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?”
