BBC pundit Garth Crooks has praised Newcastle United skipper Kieran Trippier for his part in guiding the Toon Army into the Champions League next season.
Monday night's goalless draw with relegation-threatened Leicester City secured the point Eddie Howe's men needed to ensure they'll be a part of Europe's elite club competition next term.
Trippier has been in terrific form for the Magpies, not just this season, but since his arrival on Tyneside in January last year, proving to be one of the club's best acquisitions in years.
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The England defender gave another assured display in the black and white on Monday evening, enough to see him named in Crooks' team of the week alongside reported Toon target Jarrod Bowen, whose goal for West Ham edged Leeds United closer to the relegation trap door.
"When Kieran Trippier walked into St James' Park, Newcastle United were fighting relegation," he said on the BBC Sport website. "No-one could possibly have thought at the time that the same player would be leading them into the Champions League two seasons later.
"Trippier has shown courage and fortitude, and that is why he's made my selection. The Magpies needed a point against Leicester to stop Liverpool from catching them - and got it with a 0-0 draw.
"Leicester needed to win to hold their own destiny, and now must beat West Ham at home on Sunday and hope Everton lose at home to Bournemouth. Meanwhile, the night belonged to Newcastle who, since the takeover by Amanda Staveley and her consortium, have conducted themselves brilliantly by investing in a proven young English manager who has had the most extraordinary season.
"Now they are in the Champions League it will be interesting to see how Eddie Howe and his backroom staff approach a tournament the club last participated in 20 years ago. Congratulations Newcastle - your fans deserve it."
Team of the week: Raya (Brentford), Trippier (Newcastle), Mina (Everton), Lindelof (Manchester United), Henry (Brentford), Bowen (West Ham), Gibbs White (Nottingham Forest), Casemiro (Manchester United), Mitoma (Brighton), Mbeumo (Brentford), Mitrovic (Fulham).
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