'It sends a signal to the established elite'

NEWCASTLE United players and staff have been watching on like the rest of us.

- By CIARAN KELLY

They have seen Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice put two stunning free-kicks past Real Madrid. They have witnessed Aston Villa go toe-to-toe with PSG at Villa Park. Now they are desperate to hear that anthem ring out at St James' Park once again. In fact, the Champions League is “the one that everyone wants more than anything”.

Even the measured Eddie Howe once called the prospect of qualifying a “game-changer” for the club.

Assistant Jason Tindall added these are the games “as a player, coach, manager you want to be involved in”.

So what would a return to Europe's top table mean for Newcastle if the fourth-placed Magpies manage to get over the line? Let's ask football finance expert Kieran Maguire.

“We always say it's desirable rather than essential,” he told the Journal.

“But for the ambitions of Newcastle United, to establish themselves as more of a destination club, participation in the Champions League is transformational. It sends a signal to the established elite within the Premier League.”