STROLL IN THE PARK

Toon top-8 boost

- BY LEE RYDER

NEWCASTLE clinched a Champions League playoff place with a 3-0 pounding of PSV at St James’ Park - but will now have their sights set firmly on automatic qualification.

Goals from front three, Yoane Wissa, Anthony Gordon and Harvey Barnes, confirmed at least a top-24 spot.

But with their final group game against holders Paris Saint-Germain to come next week, Eddie Howe's men have a top-eight finish in their grasp.

It was ultimately a comfortable win against PSV, with their opponents certainly going Dutch on the night as they gifted the Magpies two first-half goals.

The Eredivisie table-toppers went into the game unbeaten on their travels since March 1, and with memories of the impressive 4-1 win at Liverpool still fresh in their minds. Newcastle had an early sight of goal when Kieran Trippier clipped in a cross from the right, but Joelinton’s header was poor before Anthony Gordon made a hash of the loose ball.