Newcastle United star admits three frightening Champions League opponents players want in draw

Newcastle United star Callum Wilson has provided insight into how Magpies players want this evening's Champions League draw to go.

The club will be pulled from Pot 4 in the Champions League Group Stage draw in Monaco this evening, meaning the greatest chance of being placed in early competition with the continent's very biggest teams.

Newcastle United could end up in a group with Bayern Munich, Real Madrid and AC Milan. However, the North East side could also be given an easier-looking draw with the likes of Feyenoord, Porto and Braga - only time will tell.

Some Newcastle United supporters will be hoping to meet the most prestigious clubs early on their return to Europe while others will be rooting for some of the Champions League minnows and the greatest chance of getting to the knockout stages.

Speaking to the BBC Sounds' Footballers Football Podcast, Wilson shared that players are confident and keen to take on clubs like Barcelona, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich as early as possible.

The striker said: "There's no team you do want or don't want. The Champions League is the Champions League, it's a competition for some of the best teams in the world.

"Whoever you get is going to be a challenge and a test, one you've got to rise up to if you want to progress in the competition. Don't get me wrong, the likes of Barcelona, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich - they are all top teams you actually want to play against and see how you fare up, also playing their stadiums. I'm looking forward to the draw, excited like everyone else is."

Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has remained tight-lipped on where he'd like to take the squad on their travels but has shared that a lot of work is going on behind the scenes to ensure the side is competitive at the highest level.

Howe told TNT Sports: “Behind the scenes, there’s been a lot of preparation and making sure that we’re [as] organised as we can be for the Champions League and everything that that brings.

“I think for me, I haven’t really gone there yet mentally, we’ve got so many Premier League games before the competition starts. We need to make sure we’re ready for it because it will be a change and an added dynamic for the season.

“I’m sure it will test us and stretch us in lots of different ways, but I think ultimately we have to look at it as a huge positive, and we’re really looking forward to it.”