13 December 2023 , 04:00
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Newcastle will not be distraught if they crash out of the Champions League on Wednesday night.
That is the view of Ally McCoist, who believes the Toon project is so far ahead of schedule that failing to progress from the “group of death” should be taken in stride by a club still looking towards the future.
Eddie Howe’s injury-plagued team must beat Milan at St James’ Park and hope PSG fail to win away to already qualified Borussia Dortmund. But TNT Sports pundit McCoist insists that not reaching the round of 16 is no cause for concern - even if they are right to continue griping about the refereeing howler in Paris two weeks ago.
“I’m not really worried for them because it’s a bigger project at Newcastle than this season and I don’t think the fans are overly upset, which is brilliant as well,” he said.
“I spoke to them after the [PSG] game and one said, ‘If you told me three or four years ago I’d be moaning about a penalty decision against us in the Parc des Princes...’
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“There’s a brilliant realism about the Newcastle fans. They are delighted with where they are and where they’re going.”
Despite taking a long-term view, McCoist will have sympathy for Newcastle should they fall short because of the controversy that denied them a famous win at PSG. Full-back Tino Livramento was judged to have handled the ball following a VAR check in the 98th minute - denying Howe’s side two points and setting up tonight’s dramatic finale.
And with 10 players sidelined, the Rangers legend fears that Howe’s makeshift side now look like they are wading through treacle. “After the game in Paris, Eddie came down to speak with us and I was angry as he was,” McCoist added. “It was terrible.
“I looked at his team, his bench, and he couldn’t make any changes. He had kids on the bench, two goalies on the bench. His hands have been completely tied.
“It’s a disappointment they’ve got injuries. You saw Sunday, they could hardly lift a leg. It’s unfortunately having a bearing on their season. I don’t think there’s anything between the sides. I just hope that decision in Paris doesn’t come back to haunt them.”
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