Rob Elliot has warned a time may come when Newcastle United hit a lull in their push for European football and doesn't want to get too carried away. However, the former Toon shot stopper says Eddie Howe's side have every chance of finishing in the Champions League places this season.
The Magpies have defied any pre-season expectations and will be at Wembley for the first time in two decades for the Carabao Cup Final against Manchester United. Elliot believes the pressure is off his former side in the capital but has also stressed the need to not over react if the Magpies should fall out of the top-four.
When asked about Newcastle's top-four chances, Elliot exclusively told Chronicle Live: "I don't want to get carried away about it. I think they've got a good chance.
READ MORE: Rob Elliot on the game against Eddie Howe's 'intense' Bournemouth that changed his Newcastle career
"At some point there's going to be a bit of a reality hit and I really hope there isn't because I want to see the club keep doing well, they're obviously in the cup final. To be fourth in the league and in a League Cup Final coming up against Man United - it's just incredible considering the turnaround.
"It just shows when you've got someone that puts genuine belief into the players, genuine belief into the club, this is the first steps but there is going to be a lull period where they don't win as many games, I hope there isn't I might be wrong. I really hope I'm wrong.
"but that's the period where it's always important where people will have a bit of perspective and we'll realise 'okay this has been fantastic let's not get on anyone's back.' Eddie Howe is definitely a long-term person who should be in charge of the club for long-term.
"To be honest with you, the fact they're bringing in better players and these players are getting better every week I might be wrong and I hope I am. That lull period might not come.
"They might not win the League Cup but the fact they're in the final, all the pressure is off Newcastle and it's just a great day out. Hopefully the players can go and achieve something, but regardless, they've still achieved getting to a final so it's all positive in my eyes."
Elliot, who is now Technical Director at Gateshead FC says he's not asked any of his former team-mates or colleagues for tickets, but will be down in London to enjoy the atmosphere. The Heed have a number of former Newcastle United youngsters in their ranks - Own Bailey, Greg Olley and Adam Campbell to name a few.
"We play down south [that weekend]" Elliot said. "So myself - I've made a vow - I'm not asking anyone for tickets because it's just not what you want to do. But I'm going to go down and soak up the atmosphere with a few of the lads and mates from back home, a Man United fan so we'll get some stick into him.
"A few of the lads will be staying down and trying to get to the game or just enjoying the atmosphere. It's going to be a good occasion and it'll be a pretty even game to be honest.
"I think Man United might have the edge just because of their history and their players have probably played in bigger occasions, but this Newcastle United side is fearless. Every time an obstacle is put in front of them they go straight through it so, it's anyone's game really."
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