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.
