Kevin Nolan believes a Geordie scoring the goals to take Newcastle United to Wembley made the Carabao Cup semi-final win extra special. Sean Longstaff bagged a brace as the Magpies brushed aside Southampton at St James’ Park.
The North Shields native scored for the first time since October’s 4-1 win over Fulham to send his boyhood club to the final. Longstaff mirrored legendary goalscorer Alan Shearer, who scored decisive goals in the 1998 and 1999 FA Cup semi-finals.
An all-round gutsy performance from the 25-year-old earned him the man-of-the-match award and now provides Newcastle with their first chance of winning domestic silverware in 68 years. Former Toon captain Nolan was blown away by the post-match scenes at full-time.
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Speaking to the BBC, the ex-midfielder told his colleagues how a “local boy” grabbing the headlines will mean a lot to the supporters. Nolan said: “I’m just watching the scenes on the telly. It is (St James’ Park) absolutely rocking. You can see the joy.
“They know that they’re going to Wembley. These lads are going to enjoy it this evening. Eddie (Howe) will enjoy it, but the first thing I'm sure he will be saying is ‘we want to win it’. And that's what they're there for. It's not good enough just getting there.
“That is the focus Eddie has instilled in them since he got to the club. It is great to see. I thought they deserved the win tonight. Two fantastic goals by a local boy (Longstaff), which is even more special for them fans as well.”
Our 48-page Carabao Cup final special is available to pre-order now! Click HERE to get your copy as Newcastle United prepare for a historic day out at Wembley. Also available to purchase through local participating retailers from February 15th.
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