Sean Longstaff admits he's still struggling to process the fact Newcastle United will be playing Champions League football next season, and says hearing the famous anthem at St James' Park during Sam Fender's recent gig left him with goosebumps.
Eddie Howe's side secured a fourth-place Premier League finish last term, ensuring Newcastle will compete in Europe's premier club competition again next season after a decade's wait. And for Newcastle-born Longstaff, the thought of representing his boyhood club against Europe's best leaves him understandably excited.
While still struggling to process the achievement, the midfielder admitted he attended one of Sam Fender's recent St James' Park gigs. And with the popular Geordie rock star celebrating the Magpies' successes of last term by playing the famous Champions League anthem, Longstaff admitted it only served to increase his anticipation.
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Speaking while doing a round of golf with Gary Beadle for his Youtube channel, the Toon midfielder told the former Geordie Shore star: "I went to Sam Fender on the Friday and it was unbelievable. I still can't eve imagine what it's going to be like [hearing the Champions League anthem on match day]. Even when he had it on, I got goosebumps and I still can't believe that we're going to be playing in it next year.
"I can't wait to be honest. Two years ago we were nearly relegated and now we could be playing against the likes of Real Madrid. It's special, isn't it?"
The Magpies do have a little wait to find out who their group stage opponents will be, however, with the draw not taking place until August 31, after the final third-round qualifying ties have taken place. Howe's side will be seeded in pot four for the group draw, making them underdogs for their return to the Champions League, but looking to upset the odds once again.
