Former Leeds United striker backs Newcastle United star to play 'massive part' at Euro 2024

Former Sunderland and Leeds United striker Michael Bridges has described Newcastle United star Kieran Trippier as incredible and insisted the full-back has a key part to play in England’s Euro 2024 bid.

The experienced defender has been a key part of the Magpies renaissance after he became the first major signing made by the PIF-led consortium that completed a long-awaited takeover at St James Park in October 2021. Despite suffering a broken foot during his first month on Tyneside, Trippier’s experience proved invaluable are Eddie Howe’s side staved off the threat of relegation and maintained their Premier League status with weeks to spare.

The former Atletico Madrid star continued to be an integral part of Howe’s plans during his first full season with Newcastle as the Magpies reached their first major cup final since 1999 and defied the odds to return to the Champions League for the first time in two decades when they claimed a top four finish ahead of the likes of Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea and Liverpool.

Trippier has endured some mixed fortunes during the current seasons as he suffered a dip in form during November and December - but he has shown signs of returning to his consistent best in recent weeks as Howe’s men push for an immediate return to European competition. Trippier’s impact on Newcastle was recognised on Sunday night when he followed in the footsteps of the likes of Alan Shearer, Kevin Keegan and Bruno Guimaraes by being named as North East Football Writers Association Player of the Year - and Bridges believes the impact the defender has made for club and country can not be underestimated.

Speaking to William Hill at the awards, Bridges, who had a short loan spell at Newcastle during his playing career, said: “Kieran is going to play a massive part in the European Championships this summer. What Gareth Southgate has done with the England team is shown by the fact that we’re getting ever-closer to winning a major tournament. It is nice to be following England and actually getting a wave of success, with a bit of silverware being the final piece of the puzzle. Kieran is going to be part of the Euros, there’s no doubt about it. The caps that he has to his name have been incredibly well deserved and everything that he’s done in the game thus far has been incredible. There’s still plenty to come from him and winning the Euros will be his next goal.”

Trippier will hope to be back in action for the Magpies when they visit Chelsea on Monday night.