Dan Burn has insisted that Newcastle United are not in a "false position" after sending shockwaves through the Premier League by sitting in third place during the top-flight's winter pause.
Burn's own personal form put him in the conversation for a place in Gareth Southgate's England squad for the World Cup, and the big defender admits his own high standards actually left him feeling disappointed not make it to Qatar. However, as one of Eddie Howe 's dressing room leaders, the rest period may yet benefit Newcastle significantly.
The Magpies have gatecrashed the party when it comes to the Champions League race and have left the likes of Tottenham, Man United and Liverpool playing catch up. Newcastle will edge closer to their return to competitive action this weekend when they face Rayo Vallecano in a lunchtime friendly.
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Reflecting on the England disappointment, Burn said: "It was just nice to be in the conversation to be honest. "I felt so far away from that at one time. It was more disappointing that I am 30 now. Not that I ever really had that in my sights but it's something I will never really get the chance to do."
"When people start talking about it you do get excited. I was disappointed but along with 100 other English lads in the Premier League. I still think I could have added to the squad but Gareth has done an amazing job the last six years and has relied on the lads who done well."
If you go back to pre-season the general mood and expectation at United was to simply avoid another painful battle against relegation. Burn knows that Newcastle have come a long way in a short space of time and thinks carefully about his summary of the season so far.
On being third, Burn said: "If you asked us at the start of the season... I don't think we are in a false position. The performances that we have put in are because we believe in the process the gaffer is putting out there.
"We see results from it and don't really fear anybody going into games, that's not us being arrogant it's that we believe if we maintain our standards we are a match for anyone - especially at home."
United's next domestic action will be the League Cup last 16 clash against AFC Bournemouth before the encounter at Leicester City on Boxing Day. Burn hopes that United can pick up where they left off before the World Cup.
Burn said: "We ended the first part of the season on a high against Chelsea. "Chelsea had not picked up great results but still have a lot of quality. We wanted to make an impact and I think we did that.
"I think the crowd really lifted us and we fed off them, winning the ball high up. We didn't have that last bit of quality in the first half but I was then buzzing for Joe Willock to get his goal."
In pre-season many observers wondered how Newcastle's back four would shape up but Burn has started 14 out of 15 matches. And 11 of those games have been at left-back, with the Geordie keeping Matt Targett out the team.
It is a testament to Burn's influence in the team that he has been such a huge part of things this season. Now he's hoping to add a goal to his name too.
Don't forget Burn famously scored the winner against Man City in Brighton colours in a 3-2 win. Now he'd love to notch in the black and white of United.
Burn said: "It will come! "The law of averages says it will happen at some point, I just need one to go in off me. It will be amazing when it does happen. "I am glad I am contributing in other ways to the team."
After a stunning season so far, with Burn's stats up there with the best of them, contributing is arguably an understatement. Burn has been immense as he approaches the first year anniversary of his dream move from the South Coast.
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