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.