‘We’re not’ – Kieran Trippier makes Newcastle Champions League admission amid Liverpool race

Kieran Trippier has stressed Newcastle United are not thinking about the Champions League despite moving one step closer to securing a top-four finish yesterday evening.

Comfortable winners against Brighton at St James’ Park, Eddie Howe’s side have now moved four points clear of Liverpool with only two matches remaining in the season. Should the Toon Army secure a victory at home to Leicester City on Monday night, they would guarantee their place in Europe’s elite competition.

Thursday’s scoreline has ensured the Reds’ hopes of catching Eddie Howe’s side appear slim, with Newcastle only needing to draw each of their final two fixtures to match the maximum points tally Liverpool can achieve by beating Aston Villa and Southampton.

Asked if he and his Newcastle team-mates are relishing the promising position they find themselves, Trippier told NUFC TV: “We are relishing every pressure moment, and you have to enjoy that pressure. This is the Premier League and it’s difficult whoever you play against. We’re not thinking about the Champions League. Of course we understand the position we are in, but you can’t take anything for granted in this league. Monday is going to be a difficult game, two teams fighting for different reasons. Now we have to recover and focus on Leicester on Monday.”

“At this stage of the season, every point counts. In the position we’re in, it was crucial we got the three points. There is no time to celebrate because we still have a big job to do.”