Tranmere Rovers boss delivers Newcastle United verdict - and praises ‘fantastic fanbase’

Tranmere Rovers boss Micky Mellon has spoken of his excitement ahead of welcoming Newcastle United to Prenton Park.

The League Two side host the Magpies in the second round of the Carabao Cup tonight - the first competitive meeting between the two clubs in 22 years.

“It’s fantastic for everyone involved with Tranmere to get a Premier League team coming to Prenton Park,” Mellon told the club’s YouTube channel.

“It’s great for the players as well. We want to go out there and give a good account of themselves.

“We know the size of the challenge in front of us but we will attack that and find out more about ourselves.”

With the fixture falling after Sunday’s exhausting encounter with Premier League champions Manchester City and Wolves to consider at the weekend, Magpies head coach Eddie Howe is expected to ring the changes.

Mellon added: “No matter what team Newcastle put out, it’ll be a tough game for us but we look forward to it.

“I’ve known Eddie (Howe) for many years now and he’s done a fantastic job there, obviously heavily backed by the new owners.

“He has turned the club in the right direction and you only have to watch them to see that.”

And Mellon set aside praise for United’s travelling supporters after selling out their away allocation.

Melon said: “We’re excited to bring them down to Prenton Park, they’ve got a fantastic fanbase as well. It’s great for us that we get these kind of games.

“We know what a big game it is and what a formidable opposition Newcastle are but we’ll go and attack that.”