NEWCASTLE: If you were to draw a path to Champions League football, it is unlikely you would sketch the rags to riches rise of Dan Burn.
Released by the Magpies before his teenage years, the Geordie was kicking around with Blyth Town and New Hartley the last time Newcastle United were in Champions League action in 2003.
Not for one second did he imagine the next time his boyhood heroes would play in Europe’s premier competition, that he would be hailed as the hero.
Hometown club Blyth Spartans handed defender Burn the chance to prove his worth, followed by non-league Darlington. Spells at Yeovil Town, Birmingham City, Wigan Athletic, and Brighton and Hove Albion then followed before manager Eddie Howe and Newcastle came knocking again in the first transfer window after the PIF takeover.