Eddie Howe says reaching Carabao Cup semi-final is ‘not enough’ for Newcastle

Newcastle manager Eddie Howe insists reaching a semi-final “isn’t enough” as his side prepare to face Southampton in the Carabao Cup.

A win against Leicester saw the Magpies reach their first League Cup semi-final for 47 years to set up a clash against the Saints, who dumped Manchester City out of the competition.

The Magpies will travel to the south coast for the first leg on Tuesday, where they are aiming to edge closer to their first piece of domestic silverware in nearly 68 years and Howe believes just reaching the final four is not enough.

“We’re delighted to be where we are, but the semi-final itself isn’t enough, I don’t think it’s enough for anybody,” he told a pre-match press conference.

“I think you go into these games and to say you got to a semi-final is nothing, ultimately, you want to get one step further, I know the players feel the same way.

“Me and my coaching team feel passionately about it that we want to make the final, but we have to navigate these two games, they’re going to be very difficult, as I say.

“We want it to be a tie for the supporters, the only way we can guarantee that is performing at our best.

“I think the away game will be a really good spectacle for the fans that travel, it’s on telly so everyone will have a chance to watch the game.

“The home game will be a very, very special night, our job is to make sure we’re in a good position going into that tie.

“We’re desperate for the next step but we have to take our mind off that really and focus on the process and the job, and the job is to go to Southampton and perform.”

Newcastle go into the match having extended their Premier League record to 15 games unbeaten with a goalless draw at Crystal Palace over the weekend.

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