Southampton boss makes class St James’ Park claim after Newcastle United cup draw

Southampton boss Nathan Jones has reacted to his side’s Carabao Cup semi-final draw against Newcastle United.

The Saints shocked Premier League champions Manchester City last night to book their place in the last four via a 2-0 win. On Tuesday, United also won by the same scoreline after beating Leicester City on Tyneside.

The first leg will be played at St Mary’s week commencing January 23, while the second leg at St James’ Park is the w/c January 30.

“Semi-finals are going to be tough, tough, tough,” Jones said. “It won’t be any tougher than playing Man City.

“I watched the game where Newcastle were here prior to my appointment and we’ve got to be better than that. It’s over two games but what a wonderful game.

“One we play here [at St Mary’s] first and then we go to one of the cathedrals of English football with close to 60,000 in there.

“What a wonderful occasion but it’s a semi-final of a cup and it’s a good feeling.”

Ahead of the second leg, the Magpies will have a free weekend after being knocked out of the FA Cup by Sheffield Wednesday. Southampton, meanwhile, are in action against Blackpool.

Eddie Howe is looking to lead Newcastle to its first major trophy since 1969 having ended their 18 year semi-final drought in midweek.

“Too long away,” Howe said. “That’s not a criticism of anyone that has tried but we’re desperate to hurry up the processes and try and get the team successful as quickly as possible but it’s easier said than done.

“Getting to the semi-final is one thing but you want to get into the final and experience that. We know we have a huge test ahead of us, whoever we get. But we are just delighted to be in there.”