Eddie Howe has called on Newcastle to ‘finish the job’ and secure Champions League qualification, ahead of the club’s huge clash with Brighton at St James’ Park.
Newcastle take on Brighton in the Premier League on Thursday evening, with both clubs still in contention for a top four finish. The Magpies are third in the table, level on points with fourth-placed Manchester United and just a point ahead of Liverpool in fifth.
Brighton are sixth, but have games in hand on the sides above and an outside chance of reaching Europe’s elite.
Ahead of the clash, Howe discussed the importance of having the club’s fate in their own hands and called on his side to ‘finish the job’ after an ‘outstanding’ season.
“It’s massive for us [that it’s in our own hands],” Howe told Sky Sports. “You want that ownership. We’re delighted for that. We can control what happens and not rely on other teams. But then with that ownership and responsibility comes the expectation so we have to deal with that.
“The players have been incredible for me, outstanding all season, the togetherness and spirit has carried us a long way, allied to the fact we have some top players as well.
“I’ve enjoyed every moment with this group but we have to finish the job and that’s the challenge in front of us.
“Our home form has been excellent, our home support has been outstanding. We’re hopeful we can connect together and prove to be a really big force in the next two games.
“I think the three games we have left are all difficult in different ways. We can only take one at a time. We’re onto Brighton and it’s going to be an intriguing match. They’ve had outstanding season, so we’re looking forward to it.
“It’s about focusing on the here and now. We can’t take ourselves anywhere else currently. That would be a negative. We’re very much [focusing] on how can we perform well against Brighton – and we’ll need to because they’ve had a great season.”
