Expect the Alamo at St James’ Park, says Magpies legend John

NEWCASTLE United legend John Beresford has told Barcelona to expect “The Alamo” at St James’ Park in tomorrow's powder-keg Champions League clash.

- By LEE RYDER Chief Newcastle writer

Beresford was one of the stars of the famous Newcastle side that floored the likes of Luis Figo and Rivaldo on Tyneside and memories of the iconic victory in 1997, when Tino Asprilla grabbed a hat-trick, have been stirred ever since the draw.

The Yorkshireman once fell out with Kevin Keegan and was infamously subbed in the first half against Aston Villa, but he remains a much-loved figure on Tyneside and has a role as match-day host and club ambassador these days.

Barca will touch down after a 6-0 win over Valencia in La Liga, but Beresford has warned: “It'll be like The Alamo for Barca!

“I've played at the Nou Camp, Old Trafford, the old Highbury or up at Ibrox, but I promise you I have never heard noise like that night against Barcelona.

“It just hits different, it will be electric and Barca won't know what day it is.

“The danger for Newcastle is that they get swept up with it, and even when we beat Barca in 1997, you find yourself bursting at the seams as we flew into a 3-0 lead after 49 minutes!

“They came back and we burnt ourselves out, and Barca could have nicked it, and by that time we were running on empty, as you are running like a lunatic.