'Slightly disappointed' - Alan Shearer makes Newcastle Champions League admission as Magpies look to build on Carabao Cup success

Newcastle can already class the 2024-25 season as a success following their Carabao Cup final triumph over Liverpool but there is still unfinished business for Eddie Howe and Co. The Magpies are pushing for a Champions League finish but face stiff competition from their Premier League rivals.

The likes of Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa are hot in the race for a place in Europe's elite competition next term but Newcastle icon Shearer believes the Magpies should make the cut. Speaking on the Rest is Football podcast, he said: "“I really am hopeful (of Newcastle qualifying for the Champions League). I would hope that the good form Newcastle are in and the good feeling that the club should have.

"Leicester this evening, their game in hand is Crystal Palace at home. I know they’ve got to play Aston Villa as well, but Palace and Villa are still in the semi-finals of the FA Cup, and I think Newcastle play both of them just before.

"Yeah, I am hopeful. I would be slightly disappointed if Newcastle weren’t to make the top four or top five."

While the euphoria of winning a trophy will live on across Tyneside for many more months, a club of Newcastle's stature needs to be securing a place in Europe if they are to continue on their upward trajectory. On top of that, their star players, including Alexander Isak and Bruno Guimaraes will want to be playing at the very top level and may look elsewhere for their careers should the Magpies fail to qualify.

Newcastle's remaining fixtures put their fate entirely in their own hands. Howe's side must still play Aston Villa, Chelsea, Brighton and Arsenal. If they can pick up a few crucial wins, they will get that exclusive place in the Champions League.