Laurent Robert has hailed Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe and expects the Magpies to ‘progress’ even additional below his steering. The charismatic French star was successful at St James’ Park throughout the Sir Bobby Robson period and gave a beaming smile when requested if Howe’s group reminded him of his outdated group.

However Robert made it clear that Newcastle have to be taking part in Champions League soccer EVERY yr, not simply as soon as in a blue moon. Robert advised Chronicle Dwell: “Eddie Howe is an effective supervisor, superb.

“I spoke to him earlier than and I advised him that, I wanted him good luck for the sport and simply to get pleasure from. Extra trophies are wanted after all.

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“This season is basically lengthy and the group is sweet. They’ve many gamers to maintain progress right here.”

Robert was a part of the squad that completed fourth in 2002 to qualify below Sir Bobby after which once more one yr later. However the ex-England boss was fired by the board after slipping to fifth.

After Graeme Souness was appointed, Robert helped Newcastle attain the semi-finals of the FA Cup and quarter-finals of the UEFA Cup earlier than he left the membership in 2005. And till final season, United by no means returned to these heady heights.

Robert mentioned: “You realize while you play at Newcastle yearly you need to play within the Champions League. The final time was 20 years in the past.

“Now they’re again in. It is a large recreation tomorrow in opposition to Paris, my group too.

“I am very completely happy to be again and see this recreation. Let’s have a look at who can win the sport.”

Robert is again on Tyneside for a couple of days to meet up with outdated buddies and work as an envoy for PSG whereas that includes on the French membership’s web site. The legendary winger mentioned: “It has been a very long time however I’m actually completely happy to return again to Newcastle.

“I’m very completely happy to see them again within the Champions League. The membership have been up and down.

“It’s extremely tough now. After the final three years the group performs very nicely. It is good that they’re right here now.”

When requested for a prediction, Robert, a favorite at each golf equipment, merely mentioned: “It is tough for Newcastle and PSG. Each groups play superb defence, midfield and assault.

“There could also be some free-kicks and corners the place that you must focus. However each groups are superb.”

As he watched stars like Kylian Mbappe prepare on the hallowed turf on the eve of the sport, Robert, who netted 30 occasions for Newcastle and created many extra, was requested his favorite aim.

His pair of surprise objectives in opposition to Spurs had been put to him by Chronicle Dwell however he mentioned: “Sure one right here (pointing on the Gallowgate) and one right here (pointing on the Leazes Finish). However I feel for me it was Fulham that was not too unhealthy.

“I additionally scored one in opposition to Fabian Barthez in opposition to Man United in a 4-3 win. So there are a couple of.”