Dan Burn admits he thought his chances of ever pulling on a black and white shirt for Newcastle United were long gone.
In the build-up to the Wembley showpiece, Burn has thanked former Darlington boss Craig Liddle who urged him to take a pro deal with the then League Two club when he pondered whether to take a scholarship in America. Liddle's words proved crucial and Burn has thanked the former Quakers star this week.
The defender was let go from the Newcastle Academy as a kid but has played his way back into stardom at St James' Park after a journeyman career at Darlington, Yeovil, Birmingham, Wigan and Brighton. But now after accepting his dream was over at one stage, he will be playing for Newcastle in their biggest game of the century.
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The Geordie, who has played left-back, can't wait for the Carabao Cup final and the chance to write another chapter of Tyneside folklore. He said: "I have never, ever thought I would be in this position.
"I have said before, but once the takeover happened, I thought the chances of me playing for Newcastle were done. But football works in strange ways and we have come a long way in a short space of time.
"This would be the biggest moment of my career. It would be the pinnacle."
Burn, who hails from Blyth, has not forgotten his roots though, and offered his thanks to former Darlington boss Craig Liddle ahead of the Wembley final.
He said: "I would not be here now if it wasn't for Craig Liddle. I can't give him enough praise for what he's done for me. I went from working at Asda on a Saturday and playing local with my mates on a Sunday, to three months later I was on the bench in League Two for Darlington.
"He changed me from a lad who just liked playing football into a football. I remember when it was coming up to the time when it was decided whether I was going to be offered a pro. I'd been offered a scholarship in America so I spoke to Lids and said, not as a manager but as a friend, I've been given this opportunity, what should I do?
"He said he think I should sign the pro because he thought I could make a career. I'm always thankful to him for that and appreciate everything he's done."
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