Three-goal midfielder makes 'great' Newcastle United & St James' Park claim after visit

Ross Barkley was full of praise for Newcastle United following Luton Town's 4-4 draw at St James' Park on Saturday.

The 30-year-old was on the scoresheet in the first half as he and Gabriel Osho cancelled out Sean Longstaff's brace. Barkley was instrumental throughout as he set up Elijah Adebayo to make 4-2 shortly after The Hatters took the lead via Carlton Morris' penalty.

Newcastle managed to fight back as goals from Kieran Trippier and substitute Harvey Barnes rescued a point. Speaking after the eight-goal thriller, Barkley said: "We knew what we were going to come up against. Newcastle are a top side, great on the transition and the counter.

"They played well, we played well. It was a bit of a basketball game. But it was an entertaining game and a good one to be a part of." Barkley pounced on Martin Dubravka's parry in the 40th minute to score his third Premier League goal of the season. It was also the midfielder's sixth goal versus Newcastle, the most he's scored against any club in his career.

"I do know that as I did love used to playing against Newcastle," said Barkley. "It’s a great club, I’m a fan of the club, stadium’s brilliant, great atmosphere from the fans and I like playing in stadiums like this as well. It’s nice to get a goal and I seem to have a bit of luck playing against them as well. "We are all proud of each other. We have played three games this week and every one has been positive. We have got that never-say-die attitude and that comes from the manager and the staff. I think teams might be really surprised at how good we are now."