Newcastle United's defensive revelation Dan Burn has spoken about his surprise when discovering the levels of positivity in the dressing room following his £13million move from Brighton & Hove Albion.
Burn has been United's kingpin at the back in the second half of the season and is yet to taste defeat at St James' Park. Although, despite getting the move of his dreams to his boyhood club he admits he had to quickly lock into his A-game and get on with business.
Burn told Chronicle Live: "I think I knew when I came here I had to start well. Obviously I was on the bench against Everton and I saw how well the lads did. I saw how positive it was.
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"When I first came here I thought it would be quite down. But I was really surprised about how positive the lads were.
"Every single game at St James' Park we have made it a fortress. We may not have played the best football you have seen but everybody has worked hard together."
Burn, who stands at 6ft 7in, watched on from the stands for big Champions League nights and some cracking occasions for Alan Shearer and co in the early Noughties as a fan. He is loving life on Tyneside after moving from the South Coast.
But knows it is a different lifestyle compared to his time at Albion. Burn said: "It's crazy, when you go further down south it is a bit more diluted. I think there's more sports and more teams.
"I wouldn't say it was a surprise but it was a shock how many times I have been noticed. It's not like I can blend in or stick a hat on!
"Everybody has been amazing. I've had some really good times when I have been out and speaking to people."
Newcastle players now have the chance to pull off the unthinkable in their last five matches - a top 10 finish.
Burn said: "I hope so, that is the aim and there's points to play for. We have to think that."
"I think there is hope around Newcastle at the moment. Everybody is buzzing to see what the club will bring.
"The first stage was we had to stay up. I know we aren't mathematically done yet but we've went a good way to secure that now."
Burn was magnificent against Crystal Palace as he won header after header to keep the Eagles at bay. Now he is hoping to add another lifetime ambition to his wish-list - scoring for the Magpies.
Burn said: "Last week I was up in the air for 10 seconds! But I will get one, I am desperate for one. I just need one to go in off me. "
If he nets at Norwich it will keep the black and white bandwagon rolling quite nicely. Next stop Carrow Road for the 29-year-old Blyth lad who is quite literally living the dream.
