Source: Northern_Echo
Magpies skipper keen on cup run
NEWCASTLE captain Kevin Nolan believes it is easier to get into Europe through the FA Cup than the Premier League and admits the Magpies are keen to go on a good cup run.[LNB] The Tynesiders travel to League Two side Stevenage for their third-round FA Cup clash today, 13 years after the sides first met in the competition.[LNB] The 5-0 thrashing of West Ham United on Wednesday night saw Alan Pardew's men climb to eighth in the Premier League and within touching distance of a European place.[LNB] However, Nolan knows there are several teams currently below Newcastle who have spent a lot more money, and the goal-scoring midfielder admits his side will have to work hard to stay above the likes of Everton, Liverpool and Aston Villa.[LNB] The captain also maintains that Premier League survival is still the club's top priority, despite their promising position, but feels European qualification could be in their sights should they progress in the FA Cup.[LNB] Yes, European qualification is easier through FA Cup because you only have to play six games to win it, said the former Bolton man.[LNB] We understand it is going to be tough, but we fancy anyone on our day. It is an easier way to get to Europe and I am not being negative by saying it, but I'd take 17th now. We have to look at the bigger picture and be honest.[LNB] We would have taken this position two years ago and we cannot get carried away with what we are doing at the moment.[LNB] In the league, there are eight to ten teams who have spent a hell of a lot more money than us.[LNB] They should be in the top eight. If we are in the top eight, that's great, but that is dream stuff because it is what no-one else would have thought.[LNB] We just have to make sure we survive in the Premier League. We cannot get carried away that 17th place was always our goal this season and we will still take that.[LNB] If someone offers us 17th place and 46 points, with three teams finishing below us, everyone connected with Newcastle would be happy.[LNB] Today's meeting with Stevenage will be the second time the sides have met in the competition after the controversial tie back in 1998, which resulted in the then Conference side forcing the Premier League giants to a replay.[LNB] Nolan insists the cup will not be a distraction from Newcastle's league priorities and says the dressing room is focused on the job in hand at Broadhall Way.[LNB] Pardew is expected to make some changes to his side, especially with the Wear-Tyne derby looming large. But Nolan, one of the players who could make way, insists he doesn't want to be rested.[LNB] No way, it's not a distraction to us, said the skipper.[LNB] We spoke about it this week and all of us want to go on a good cup run. Good cup runs always get the city buzzing. It gets everyone buzzing, players, fans everyone.[LNB] I want to play, of course.[LNB] Everyone inside that dressing room wants to play. No-one wants to be rested.[LNB] It is up to the manager who plays, but the fact is we go to Stevenage desperate to be in the hat for the next round.[LNB] We genuinely feel that with the spirit we have, and the squad we've got, we have a good chance of winning the cup. Of course it won't be a case of going there and thinking, We don't fancy this much.' Not with this group of players.[LNB] There is absolutely no chance we won't give Stevenage the respect they deserve.[LNB] They will run hard and work hard but we must make sure we run harder and work harder, show our quality, show that we are physically stronger. If we do that, we win the game and are through to the next round.[LNB] That would be three games inside a week that we've won, and that form going into the Sunderland game very tasty isn't it[LNB] Newcastle trio James Tavernier, Faroe Islander Joan Edmundsson and Matthew Grieve have moved out on loan. Tavernier and Edmundsson, both 19, have joined Blue Square Bet Premier side Gateshead on month-long deals, while Grieve, 20, has joined League Two side Stockport County, also for a month.[LNB]
