Newcastle United will compete in what will be their first semi-final in any domestic cup competition since the 2004-05 season this evening. Eddie Howe will lead out his side against Southampton in the Carbabao Cup after beating Tranmere Rovers, Crystal Palace, Bournemouth and Leicester City in earlier rounds.
After travelling to the south coast for tonight’s clash, the Magpies will host the Saints on home soil next week before a potential date at Wembley next month beckons. The Carabao Cup could be the first ‘major’ trophy since their UEFA Interoto Cup victory in 2006.
However, they did come very close previous season when they reached the FA Cup semi-final against Manchester United. While a meeting with Arsenal in the final was in sight, goals from Ruud van Nistelrooy (2), Paul Scholes and Cristiano Ronaldo knocked the Magpies out, with Shola Ameobi netting a consolation on the hour mark.
So, 18 years on, we take a look at the starting XI that came up against the Red Devils in Newcastle’s last cup semi-final.
1. Shay Given
Given joined Newcastle United from Blackburn Rovers in 1997 and went onto make a whopping 463 appearances for the club. After impressing on Tyneside, Given joined Man City in 2009. | Getty Images
2. Stephen Carr
Carr made 107 appearances for Newcastle following his move from Tottenham. After struggling with a series of injuries throughout his spell on Tyneside, the Ireland international was released in 2008. | Getty Images
3. Jean Alain Boumsong
The centre-back joined the Magpies from Rangers in 2005 but struggled with consistency and joined Juventus the following year - despite his controversial £8m transfer fee. | Getty Images
4. Steven Taylor
Born in London, Taylor joined Newcastle’s academy in 1995 and spent 21 years on Tyneside before moving to the MLS. He also enjoyed short spells with Ipswich Town and Peterborough United. | AFP via Getty Images