IN OR BUST

Toon only have eyes for Champions League but boss Howe insists: The prize is the football NOT the finances

- BY IAN MURTAGH

IT is Champions League or bust as far as Newcastle boss Eddie Howe is concerned.

Howe watched Tottenham beat Manchester United on Wednesday night to win the Europa League and spark scenes of wild delight from Spurs fans.

But the Toon chief's memories of his side's Champions League win over Paris Saint-Germain two years ago, and trips to Milan and Dortmund, have only fuelled his desire to compete in the TOP competition Europe has to offer - and accept no second-best.

Victory over Everton today will guarantee that prize and, even if Newcastle fail to win, results elsewhere could still secure a top-five finish.

And that is all Howe is focusing on. He said: "We'll play for the highest that we can - that's always been my philosophy. So the Champions League is our aim.

"I don't want to come across as negative towards the Europa League because it's a great competition.