Eddie Howe branded Newcastle players “fantastic” for reaching their first cup semi final in 18 years - and made goalscorer Dan Burn dance in the dressing room!
Burn netted his first Newcastle goal, and Joelinton clinched the game as United progressed to their first semi since the FA Cup in 2005. Howe told his players their achievement so far was fantastic, and Burn was then asked to do his speciality knee wobbling dance as he told his stars to enjoy the moment.
Howe said: “We are delighted. It was what we wanted, the semi final. The performance level was excellent from start to finish and we created lots of chances. Great performance. It was a brilliant moment for Dan Burn to score. A betting man would not put their money on Dan Burn’s right foot but what a finish! It is moments like that make football.
“I was asking him to speak and instead he stood up and danced! So when someone that popular has a moment like that we ask him to celebrate. It has been too long a wait. We are desperate to hurry up the processes and get the team successful. Now you want to get to the final. We have a huge test ahead of us, but we are delighted to be there.
“The emotions that come out in that state are relief. We are trying to be ambitious and take no backward steps. This team always focuses on what comes next. The FA Cup defeat could have shaken us but it didn’t.”
Burn said: "I used to sit in the East Stand you always want to score in front of the Gallowgate end, to do that in front of my family was amazing. I like to get forward and it's entertaining watching a guy my size running into the box. It was exciting before the game. The gaffer made a big thing of going for a trophy this season, in previous years staying in the league was enough, but this year we want a cup."
Kieran Trippier said: “It would mean everything to win a trophy. We’re delighted for Burny, he's come close a few times but it was great for him to score at St James'.
"We knew this was important because we went out of the FA Cup, the lads were brilliant tonight. The supporters here are brilliant, they follow us in numbers and it's always a great atmosphere at home. We want to make them proud.”
City boss Brendan Rodgers said: “The best team won, the best team goes through.”
