Shay Given reckons Eddie Howe might soon have a statue commissioned at St James’ Park if he leads Newcastle United to long-awaited silverware on Sunday afternoon (4.30pm).
For the second time in three seasons, the Magpies are heading to Wembley Stadium for the right to be crowned Carabao Cup winners. Liverpool stand between Newcastle and an elusive trophy.
Back in 2023 it was Manchester United who emerged victorious at their expense. However, with Wembley fever sweeping its way from the north east to London in the build-up, there’s genuine hope this will finally be the time for the Magpies to live out their biggest dream.Given came close to immortality himself during his playing days with the club. He was in the Newcastle side that lost to Arsenal in the 1998 FA Cup Final and watched on from the subs bench 12 months later when the club were bested, once again, in that competition by treble-winning United.Speaking to The Mirror before this afternoon’s showdown, the former Ireland goalkeeper said: “There has been so much hurt and pain at Newcastle over the years. Most of the fans have probably never seen their team win a trophy and if you haven’t lived in that part of the world, it’s hard to understand what winning this final would mean to the entire city.
“The team are within touching distance of being remembered as heroes forever. Eddie has been at Newcastle long enough to recognise the passion of the fans and their incredible hunger they have to see their captain lift a trophy, and he will desperately want to deliver.
“But Liverpool are the best team in the country and Newcastle will have to be at their maximum. Individually and collectively, they will have to be nine or 10 out of 10.”
Given added: “Eddie and his players have their opportunity to become immortals on Tyneside – and I’m only half-joking when I say he might get his own statue!
“Newcastle’s owners have got big plans for the future of the club and, if they can get their hands on that elusive first trophy, then it could be the springboard for some great years ahead.
“Beating Liverpool is a big ask, but the way Newcastle won both legs of their semi-final – against Arsenal – should give them the belief that they can beat the best.”
