Sean Longstaff feels his decisive double in firing Newcastle United to the Carabao Cup final served as a '**** you' to critics who had written him off. The Magpies academy graduate netted twice in the first-half of the second leg win over Southampton which booked their place in a domestic cup final at Wembley for the first time in 24 years.
Joelinton's strike in the reverse fixture had given Eddie Howe's side a narrow advantage headed into the decisive contest, but Longstaff quelled pre-match nerves with two goals in front of the Gallowgate End. Che Adams quickly pulled one back with a fine strike from distance, but Newcastle ultimately eased through to the final despite a late red card for Bruno Guimaraes.
Longstaff was one of several players who seemingly looked to be on their way out of St James' Park following the takeover, with his contract coming to an end and an initial struggle to get into Howe's starting eleven. However, the 25-year-old signed a new three-year deal and emerged as an integral member of the Magpies' midfield in the latest campaign.
