Kieran Trippier says what Eddie Howe won’t at Newcastle United

Kieran Trippier believes Newcastle United should set their sights on sealing a top four Premier League finish and therefore qualify for next season’s Champions League.

The England right-back was heavily involved during the Magpies’ 2-1 win over Wolves on Sunday. Trippier assisted Alexander Isak’s first-half opener before his error led to Hwang Hee-chan’s equaliser. His blushes were spared, however, when substitute Miguel Almiron scored a winner.

A first win in six matches for United propelled Eddie Howe’s men back into European competition as they sit fifth in the table, four points behind fourth place Tottenham Hotspur but with two games in hand.

“We shouldn’t be shy to say that (the top four is within reach),” Trippier told Sky Sports post-match. “We’re in a great position in the league. We’ve got to take it a game at a time but we’ve got to attack every single game.

“As a club, we want to be in Europe. We want to be in the Champions League but we know how relentless this league is - we know how tough the games are. We’ve got to stick together. (There are) 13 more tough matches, and (we will) see where we are at the end of May.”

Howe, meanwhile, is refusing to entertain talk of Europe from the media. Asked about Trippier’s comments, Howe, speaking ahead of Friday night’s clash at Nottingham Forest, said: "I’m going to duck the question.

“Of course it’s about what we do and people are obsessed with Europe, but for me it’s about being the best we can be every week and ultimately we will achieve what we deserve to achieve.

“It’s about the small steps not the end goal. That will take care of itself.”

So, when will Howe allow himself time to start thinking about the prospect of European football? “At the end of the season,” he replied.

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