'To be given this away from football is a real privilege... a proud day for me and my family'

NEWCASTLE United Wembley hero Dan Burn was hailed as a “true Northumbrian” as he collected his home county's highest honour.

- DANIEL HOLLAND

The Blyth-born defender, whose towering header set the Magpies on their way to a historic Carabao Cup final win over Liverpool in March, was given the Freedom of Northumberland yesterday afternoon.

That award caps a remarkable few months for the St James’ Park favourite, who also earned his first England cap in March, has recently signed a new contract to keep him at Newcastle until 2027, and now has his eye on next summer's World Cup.

He was presented with an ornate scroll, a medal, and a tie decorated with the Northumberland flag in a special ceremony at County Hall, where council leader Glen Sanderson described the NUFC star as a “man with real commitment and passion - a true Northumbrian”.

Speaking to the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) afterwards, the 33-year-old reflected on a remarkable football career that has seen him climb through the leagues to live out his childhood dreams.

He said: “I just had a real fire to prove people wrong my whole life.