Newcastle ready to deliver long-awaited trophy as Wembley beckons

LONDON : Only a small minority of the fabled Toon Army who descend on St James' Park come rain or shine have any recollection of Newcastle United winning any significant silverware.

You must venture back to the heady days of Jackie Milburn et al in 1955 when the club won the FA Cup for the third time in five years for the last time the Magpies could really crow.

There have been some near misses since, some triumphs in obscure and now-defunct competitions such as the Anglo-Italian Cup and a few promotions back to the top flight.

But on the whole it has been a labour of love for Newcastle fans who have lived in hope rather than expectation.

That could all change on Sunday, however, when thousands upon thousands of Geordies will make the trip south for the League Cup final against Manchester United at Wembley.

Sixteeen months after the struggling club was sold by deeply unpopular owner Mike Ashley to a consortium headed by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, Newcastle are showing signs they can return the glory days to Tyneside.

Despite a recent loss of form in the Premier League, Newcastle remain fifth in the table with every chance of a top-four finish and a return to the Champions League.

Sunday's showpiece could really get the ball rolling though, even if they will be underdogs against a Manchester United side also restoring the club's fortunes after tough times.

"We've beaten some really good teams and been very consistent with our form. We believe the power is in our hands and it's up to us to perform at those best levels," manager Eddie Howe told reporters in the build-up to the final.

"I always believe that the history, from my side, is respected but we're trying to create new history with a new team at a new moment.