Newcastle United trio Sean Longstaff, Kieran Trippier and Nick Pope were over the moon after the Magpies secured their Champions League place for next season following a goalless draw with Leicester City. The Toon were the dominant force in the game but unable to break down a resolute Foxes side that earned an important point in the fight against the drop.
"I can’t put it into words it to be honest," Longstaff told Sky Sports at full-time. If you’d told us two years ago we wouldn’t have believed you but we brought Tripps in, Popey in and a lot of the other boys as well. It’s unbelievable and I’m so proud of everyone.
"You hear the stories, you hear of Asprilla getting a hat-trick in the Champions League - beating Juventus here one nil, you see that on DVDs. To hopefully be a part of it and be in those nights it's going to be so special - I’m just buzzing. I've not quite looked at who we'll be facing, I'll let them [the fans] do that."
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"It means everything," Trippier added. "Firstly I took a risk when I first arrived but I believe in every decision I make. We’ve shown great togetherness throughout this season.
"We've had difficult moments but I think we’ve bounced back well and I think we’ve earned the right to be in the position that we’re in. It's going to be incredible.
"Longy [Longstaff] and the rest of the lads who are Geordies have told us how much it would mean for the club to be in the Champions League. The club has been through a tough moment but now they can reap the rewards."
The Magpies were dealt a scare late on with Pope having to be alert to deny Timothy Castagne in added time in what would have been a huge upset given the way the game played out. The Newcastle goalkeeper has been a huge addition to the squad that boasts one of the best defensive records in the division, second only to champions Manchester City.
When asked about his save and Champions League qualification, Pope said: "It’s always nice to be involved so I’m just happy to get another clean sheet. They’ve [the fans] been unbelievable all year and to pay them back with getting over the line tonight, it means everything.
"To do it here, to do it in front of these fans, we’ve worked so hard this year. The boys have given everything - and the staff - so to be there next season, it means everything."
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