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      ‘I wish he would have hung on for one more year’ – Alan Shearer chokes up in tribute to his dad at Newcastle parade

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      ALAN SHEARER has paid an emotional tribute to his dad – as Newcastle celebrate ending 70 years of hurt. The Magpies legend joined tens of thousands of fans at a bus parade on Saturday to toast the club’s Carabao Cup success. An emotional Alan Shearer has paid tribute to his late fatherCredit: GettyThe Newcastle icon celebrated the Toon’s Carabao Cup triumph at a bus parade in the cityCredit: GettySupporters packed out Newcastle city centre to celebrate the club’s first domestic trophy since 1955Credit: GettyShearer teared up as he admitted he wished his father was alive to see the triumphEddie Howe’s side beat Liverpool 2-1 a fortnight ago to secure a first domestic trophy in 70 years. Thousands of supporters packed the streets of Newcastle to welcome their heroes back to the North East. And former Toon striker Shearer was among the emotional crowd outside St James’ Park.The 54-year-old grew up a Magpies fan in nearby Gosforth, with his passion for the beautiful game fueled by his dad Alan. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLShearer’s father passed away last year aged 80 following a battle with cancer. Alan Sr was just 11 years old when Newcastle last won a domestic trophy in 1955. England hero Shearer revealed his dad had been present at Newcastle’s last trophy before the Carabao Cup, when they won the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup in 1969. Choking back tears on stage after the parade, Shearer said: “Yeah, unfortunately, my dad passed away last May. Most read in Sport”He was lucky enough to be at the final in ’69.”I just wish he could have hung on for one more year just to see and sample this.Ant and Dec lead Newcastle stars’ bus parade as hundreds of thousands line streets to celebrate their heroes”But he would have been watching on and would’ve been as proud as I was.”Shearer admitted to shedding a tear at Wembley as Toon held on despite a late Liverpool rally. He told the Rest is Football Podcast: “I must admit, I had a tear or two [in my eye] when the final whistle went because I thought of my old man.”I just wish he’d been there yesterday. But he’d been looking down.””Even in his last few days, he was on about Newcastle and how he wanted them to do well and win the trophy and what have you.” He would have been watching on and would’ve been as proud as I was.Alan Shearer on his dadShearer opened up about his dad’s influence in a powerful column last year.Writing in The Athletic, he said: “Without my dad here, part of me feels lost and untethered and I hope you can understand. “Without wishing to be too maudlin, perhaps you might think of him when the Match of the Day theme sounds this weekend. READ MORE SUN STORIES”I know I will. And, if it’s right and feels appropriate, think of your family, too.”I’ll be in the BBC studios in Salford this weekend and I honestly can’t tell you how it will feel when that famous tune starts up, but I do know it will be tough – very tough.” More

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      ‘Are you going to cry?’ – Emotional Ant and Dec lead Newcastle stars’ bus parade as hundreds of thousands line streets

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      NEWCASTLE have celebrated ending 70 years of hurt in epic style – with the help of some familiar faces. Geordie icons Ant and Dec led the celebrations as thousands of Toon fans lined the streets for a parade following last week’s Carabao Cup success.Ant and Dec presented live from the Newcatle bus during the Toon’s trophy paradeCredit: Sky NewsNewcastle’s stars took to the streets to celebrate their Carabao Cup triumphCredit: PAThousands of fans packed out the city centre and outside St James ParkCredit: PAThe TV icons interviewed emotional Newcastle playersCredit: SkyA huge banner of boss Eddie Howe was unveiled prior to the paradeCredit: GettyEddie Howe’s men won their first domestic silverware since 1955 after seeing off Liverpool at Wembley.FOLLOW OUR NEWCASTLE PARADE LIVE BLOGGoals from Dan Burn and Alexander Iska secured a historic 2-1 win and ended the Toon’s seven-decade trophy drought. Fans hit the streets in both London and Newcastle in the hours after the match. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLTens of thousands more joined a huge bus parade on Saturday afternoon to celebrate the win.TV stars Ant and Dec were spotted almost in tears at the Home of Football during the triumph a fortnight ago.And the emotional pair were on the edge again as the Toon Army packed out the city centre. They bagged prime seats for the parade, joining the players on two open-top buses. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnt was heard screaming after seeing the crowds: “Look at that! This is absolute brilliant chaos.”We’ve got flares at the back of the bus, lads and lasses!”‘I wish he would have hung on for one more year’ Alan Shearer chokes up in tribute to his dad at Newcastle paradeAddressing his sidekick Dec, he added: “Big question is though, are we going to cry like we did at Wembley on the day they won?”The pair replied in unison: “Probably!”A huge poster of Howe was unveiled outside St James’ Park just moments before the buses left to begin their route, hanging from a nearby building.Fans let off flares and waved massive flags, with chants of “Shearer, Shearer!” heard outside the ground. The crowd were treated to a full match replay of the final ahead of the parade.And Newcastle players took to the stage to speak to supporters once the buses completed their one-mile route.Ant and Dec took turns to interview the players, who were noticeably moved by the size of the crowds.Jacob Murphy gasped: “It’s unbelievable. Oh my God!”There are not too many words to describe this. It’s amazing!”Boss Howe added: “Wow. This is just incredible. I feel like a competition winner!Ant McPartlinSky Sports”There’s people hanging from lamp posts and standing on bus stops.”But we knew the people of Newcastle would come out and support us.”Thanks to you both [Ant and Dec] for being a part of it, too.”Ant replied: “I feel like a competition winner!”Focusing on Newcastle’s lengthy wait for a trophy, Howe continued: “Part of your brain hopes that one day you might win something, but at the time we were in a relegation battle.”This is beyond what we thought we could do.”There is no other city like this one for football.”Toon legend Shearer was visibly emotional as he was invited up to address the adoring locals. Paying tribute to his dad Alan, who died aged 80 last year, the ex-England striker began to well up.He said: “Yeah, unfortunately, my dad passed away last May.”He was lucky enough to be at the final in ’69.”I just wish he could have hung on for one more year just to see and sample this.”But he would have been watching on and would’ve been as proud as I was.”Alan Shearer was visibly emotional as he addressed the crowdCredit: GettyBruno Guimaraes delighted the crowd by signing X-rated chants about SunderlandCredit: AFPNewcastle’s players were in the mood to party – and couldn’t resist a dig at neighbours Sunderland in the process.Brazilian midfielder Bruno Guimaraes led the crowd in a chant for teammate Sandro Tonali.In the X-rated song, supporters sing that the Italian “hates f***ing Sunderland”.Bruno took the mic and belted out the song, with his laughing teammates bouncing around behind him. After Newcastle’s historic triumph at the Home of Football, the 27-year-old called it among the “best days” of his life.A tearful Bruno said: “I wanted to put my name in the club’s history. We can now say we are the champions again.”It is one of the best days of my life. I don’t have any words. They [the fans] deserve it. READ MORE SUN STORIES”People have grown up and not seen Newcastle as champions, I am so happy. This is one of the best days. We deserve this. It is unbelievable.”This is my second home. Relegation, Champions League and now champions. I am so emotional today.”Players danced and celebrated with the Carabao Cup along the one-mile long routeCredit: AFPOne fan fired up a flare after climbing Alen Shearer’s statue outside the stadiumCredit: GettySupporters were treated to a re-run of the final prior to the bus paradeCredit: ReutersHuge flags were unveiled along the routeCredit: Getty More

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      Newcastle trophy parade LIVE: Toon Army gather to celebrate HISTORIC Carabao Cup victory over Liverpool

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      NEWCASTLE fans gather at St James Park after the side won their first trophy in 70 YEARS!Eddie Howe’s side beat Liverpool 2-1 at Wembley to claim their first silverware in over half a century. The side will be celebrating the famous victory, as they take to the streets of Newcastle in an open-top bus parade.Fans will be treated to a full replay of the game, before the side tour the city with the trophy.Timings:Full match replay – 2pm GMTMain stage entertainment starts – 4pm GMTBus parade starts – 4:30pm GMTPlayers take to the stage – 6:35pm GMTEvent ends – 7:30pm GMTLive stream: SunSport YouTubeFollow our live blog below…Fans scale Shearer’s statue! Copy linkCopiedAlan Shearer arrivesAs the players and staff head towards the Town Moor, Newcastle will host a question and answer session with club legends for those already in attendance.The Q&A segment will see Newcastle’s leading goalscorer Alan Shearer take centre stage, along with Bob Moncur, Les Ferdinand and the women’s team.Copy linkCopiedThe 15 minute markThe Wembley final is currently being shown on the big screens as fans pile into Town Moor.But live entertainment will begin shortly at 4pm – half an hour before the parade bus leaves St James’ Park.Sonny Tennet, Ellie Scougall, The Belta Reivers and Paige Temperley are a few names down to perform.Following them and the trophy celebrations, including a cup lift, Q&A with players and team photo, a light show will take place.Copy linkCopiedToon Army surrounds St James’ Park!Fans are waiting for the parade bus to leave the stadium in less than an hour!Copy linkCopiedOpen-top bus passes late fitness testThe bus transporting Newcastle’s jubilant players and staff from St James’ Park to Town Moor failed a late MOT this week.On Tuesday, government records show that the plate set to be at the heart of today’s celebrations failed its test as it was being prepared.The issue was fixed the following day, however, and is now ready to go.Testing manager Chris Reeves told ITV News Tyne Tees: “It failed on a ramp with a minor wiring issue. “The company took it away to get it fixed and we got it booked in for a retest on Wednesday, where it gladly passed.”It’s been thoroughly tested and it is all good to go.”Copy linkCopiedCopy linkCopiedWhere can I watch Newcastle’s parade?For those unable to attend the celebrations today in Newcastle, there are options to follow the event online.A Sky Sports News special will broadcast on Sky channel 402 from 6pm to 7pm. While Newcastle United’s YouTube channel will also be streaming live.And of course you can keep up to date with events right here on Sun Sport’s live blog…Copy linkCopiedOur man on the groundFrom SunSport’s Newcastle correspondent Gary Stonehouse live at Town Moor.While beers are getting downed in town, up on the Moor thousands are still cramming into the main event.And, despite the rain, the weather is not dampening the atmopshere as the Toon Army enjoy a re-run of the Wembley win. A stage has been set up for a Q&A with Alan Shearer and Les Ferdinand before the players will come out.Copy linkCopiedBanned items at Town MoorThe open-top bus will arrive at Town Moor at approximately 5pm, but fans with tickets have been warned not to bring items into the event that are on the banned list.The club have advised that the following things are not permitted on site:AlcoholChairs/camping equipmentFlagsPyrotechnics/flaresDronesPetsIt is a dry event and supporters have been urged to bring their own food and non-alcoholic drinks.Copy linkCopiedEarly best dressed award nomineesTaking inspiration from the black and white Golden Globes this year…Copy linkCopiedKey parade timingsNewcastle have issued a statement informing attending fans that they should arrive on time in order to make the most of the day.1.30pm – Town Moor site opens.2pm – Final match replay.4pm – Main Stage entertainment.4.30pm – Bus parade starts.5pm – Q&A with Legends.6.35pm – Players take to the Main Stage.7.15pm – Sela spectacular surprise.8.15pm – Site closes.Copy linkCopiedAnt and Dec have arrivedGeordie royalty Ant and Dec have been seen outside St James’ Park as anticipation continues to build over today’s event.Chronicle Live claim that they were spotted by a group of fans and laughed when asked: “What do you think of Sunderland?”The iconic pair walked through the chairman’s entrance of the stadium after posing for pictures with fans and signing autographs.Copy linkCopiedCopy linkCopiedParade and bus routeNewcastle have confirmed that today’s bus will depart St James’ Park at around 4:30pm to kick off the festivities.It will then make its way down Gallowgate, turn onto Percy Street, and head onto the B1318 towards Gosforth.The bus will stop just once, at the Town Moor, where the players will then make their way onto the stage.After that, live music and a special lights show by Saudi Arabian events company Sela.Proceedings will begin at St James’ ParkCopy linkCopiedGood afternoonHello and welcome to Sun Sport’s live coverage of today’s Carabao Cup trophy parade in Newcastle.We will be bringing you all the latest news, updates and big moments from the open-top bus event.Car parks are closed, roads are blocked off as nearly 150,000 fans will take to the streets to watch their heroes celebrate the Toon army’s first domestic trophy in 70 YEARS.A replay of the 2-1 win over Liverpool at Wembley will be shown at some point too!”This will be one of the biggest events we have seen in the city,” said Karen Kilgour, leader of Newcastle City Council.Fans have been on the drink since this morningFor many, it’s Newcastle’s first trophy in their life timeCopy linkCopied More

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      Anyone with an ounce of spirit should want Bournemouth to beat Man City to keep romance of the FA Cup alive

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      THERE are no Premier League fixtures this weekend — but don’t feel ashamed if you haven’t even realised.It’s hardly been a bumper year for the so-called greatest league  in the world.Bournemouth could offer a massive FA Cup miracle for the romanticsCredit: GettyBournemouth take on Manchester City in the FA CupCredit: GettyNewcastle broke a monotonous run by winning the Carabao CupCredit: RexThe last time a club outside the Big Six won a cup was in 2013 with Wigan in the FA Cup and Swansea in the League CupCredit: GettyLiverpool have fast-walked the title race and Leicester, Ipswich and Southampton have been hell-bent on relegation since last August.So who would have thought the two cup competitions would be left to stop the entire nation switching off altogether and doing something less boring instead?The cups have been bulldozed and bullied to make way for expanding European competition.Boiled down with second legs and replays scrapped to relieve the heavy legs of players grinding it out to satisfy the demands of clubs looking beyond two relatively tiny trophies offering a few quid in prize money. Read More on FootballNewcastle’s victory over Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final this month was a spectacular bloody nose for the Big Six.It’s five down and one to go in the FA Cup, which means “little” Bournemouth have the opportunity to finish the job. Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester United, Chelsea and Tottenham  all have a surprise weekend off as we reach the quarter-final stage.Anyone with an ounce of romance, spirit and  sporting fun should be willing the Cherries on against Manchester City. If not, you should never again pass an “I am not a robot” test.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSA winner from Bournemouth, Aston Villa, Nottingham Forest, Brighton, Fulham, Crystal Palace or Preston North End is a rarity.And not since 2013 have both our domestic trophies been won by teams from outside the “elite” in the same season. That’s when Swansea won the League Cup and Wigan beat City in the FA Cup final. Prior to that, it was 1988 with Luton and Wimbledon.Erling Haaland reveals bizarre bedtime habit including special glasses and taping mouth SHUT on Logan Paul podcastIn between, it is the same old names and the same old finals. Prior to this year, the previous nine Carabao Cups were shared between Liverpool and the Manchester clubs.For one year only, Leicester broke the FA Cup stranglehold of Arsenal, City, Chelsea, United and Liverpool that has existed since 2014.What we are seeing now is football’s equivalent of Halley’s Comet entering our solar system.Come May, screw up your eyes and you may be able to visualise the glowing tail of glory for a team which doesn’t treat Wembley as a second home.The Cherries have never won  a major trophy, nor Palace, nor Fulham, nor Brighton.Preston, synonymous with the great Sir Tom Finney, have had big stars but no significant silverware since the 1938 FA Cup.Breaking traditionVilla and Forest are shaking up the establishment in the league but you must rewind to the 1990s to find either winning a cup of note.What it will mean for the  supporters of these seven clubs to reach the FA Cup semi-finals or beyond fires the imagination.And it serves as a beacon of hope for anyone wishing to salvage a crumb of interest in a mundane season in the league. Players love the cups, the fans adore them.Attendances throughout this year’s Carabao Cup were 20 per cent up on last year and their highest for almost a quarter of a century.If Bournemouth beat City on Sunday it’s a huge shot in the arm for the much-maligned cups, for fans and for fun. So what if it’s bad for business and for the big boys?Fans ticked off with ToddTODD BOEHLY is feeling the heat from Chelsea fans over his 41 per cent stake in US ticket resale outlet Vivid Seats.To the extent the supporters’ trust has written to the Premier League demanding they probe their club chairman over a  potential conflict of interest. Fair enough. No trip to Stamford Bridge is complete without the sight and sound of several shady characters loitering by Fulham Broadway Tube station offering tickets for the coming game at inflated prices.So much so that the London club emailed fans last week to trumpet their actions targeting this criminal scourge. They claim to have stopped more than 1,000 people entering the ground with dodgy tickets, cancelled more than 1,500 memberships linked to dodgy tickets and arrested dozens of people through matchday operations.Meanwhile, Boehly, the man at the top of the club, is raking it in via his investment in what the Premier League label an “unauthorised” ticket website.They urge fans to “exercise extreme caution” when dealing with firms like Vivid Seats.It’s almost as if it’s one rule for one and one for another. In football? Surely not?A bore’s no drawEVERYTHING about England’s recent two matches was highly interesting — apart from the two matches. Thomas Tuchel, Dan Burn, the build-up, the team selection, the hope.But as usual the ties were as flat as a pancake and sparked a debate about the entertainment value of qualifiers against Albania and Latvia.Don’t think the boredom level of these insipid games hasn’t been  discussed at the top level.Not that long ago a plan was hatched to expand the Euros to 32 teams.The continent’s top-ranked countries would face each other in an extended Nations League to leave 16 sides. Lesser-ranked nations would do similar, eventually leaving 32 teams.Almost everyone was up for it apart from Europe’s rights-holding broadcasters, who seem to think England v Albania on a Friday night is just what the nation wants to see on their TVs.London bawlin’AS domestic football returns, a plea. Can London-based clubs stop playing London Calling by The Clash, fronted by Joe Strummer, during every pre-match build-up?Yes, we know the song is about the city — it’s in the title — and your club is in that city. But that’s it. It’s not that big a deal.And by endlessly forcing this irony upon fans, you have worn out what should be cherished as a post-punk classic by one of the greatest rock bands of all time.Just stop it. Please.FA party Ful of itIF you have £120 to spare you too can enjoy a night out at Fulham’s 1975 FA Cup final celebration dinner come May.A selection of team members from the day will entertain guests with memories of the showpiece — which they LOST 2-0 to West Ham.READ MORE SUN STORIESSounds like a silly idea —  then again, Newcastle held open-top bus parades after losing the 1974 FA Cup final and 1976 League Cup final.Even more daft, someone I know actually went to BOTH. More

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      Undercover cops wear Liverpool kit to arrest Newcastle Utd fan suspected of drug-dealing

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      UNDERCOVER cops wore Liverpool kit to bust a Newcastle United fan suspected of drug-dealing.Their sting proved sweet revenge four days after the Toon won the Carabao Cup final 2-1.Thai undercover cops donned Liverpool shirts to bust a drug dealer who was wearing a Newcastle topCredit: Three cops in Liverpool shirts who visited the man’s meatballs stall were each sold £200 bags containing 200 methamphetamine tablets.They arrested him then posed for a photo in Krabi, Thailand, where many locals support the Reds. The accused, Aphichat Nayaw, 33, faces the death penalty or a long jail term if found guilty depending on the amount of drugs he had.Liverpool are the most popular Premier League team in Thailand and thousands of fans flock to bars to watch their games – including many police officers.READ MORE ON CARABAO CUPDistrict Police Chief Preecha Saingthong, who led the drug bust, said:“Me and most of my colleagues are Liverpool supporters. Of course I watched the cup final, I would not have missed it.“It was a shame we did not win but I was not that sad because Liverpool have already won this cup 10 times and Newcastle have not won any cup for 70 years.”And at the end of the season I am confident we will be celebrating when Liverpool win the league.Most read in Football“We have a Liverpool fan club here and are preparing for a celebration – hopefully there will be no case on that day.”Ant & Dec scream with joy and Alan Shearer loses his hat as Geordies go wild after Newcastle win Carabao CupNewcastle United stunned Liverpool to win the Carabao Cup final 2-1 last weekendCredit: GettyLiverpool players and fans were left in agony at their defeat to Newcastle at WembleyCredit: AP More

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      Newcastle make Carabao Cup trophy announcement as club ‘consider scrapping open-top bus parade’

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      NEWCASTLE could reportedly consider scrapping their proposed Carabao Cup trophy parade in favour of an alternative celebration.The Magpies ended their 70-year wait for a domestic trophy on Sunday with a 2-1 win over Liverpool at Wembley.Newcastle could scrap their open-top bus parade for a celebration at Town MoorCredit: GettyEddie Howe is set to be awarded the freedom of NewcastleCredit: GettyAn open-top bus parade – penned in for March 29 – was announced earlier this week to celebrate the achievement.However, the Telegraph has revealed that club officials are now looking to stage the event at the Town Moor – a huge green space that is close to the city centre.Players will be in attendance, as well as Eddie Howe and his staff members.Howe is set to be awarded the freedom of Newcastle in the wake of his accomplishment.Read More in FootballFollowing Sunday’s final, the manager said: “I am very, very emotional and have been all day, which is unlike me.”We knew what was at stake today for all of our fans, we wanted to do them proud and win the trophy.”I am so, so pleased with the result and the performance – we deserved to win today.”It was tough when Liverpool scored. I was thinking about extra time. We always make it difficult for ourselves.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”We were well aware of the history, and we wanted to do the club proud. We wanted to score, we wanted to perform and we wanted to win.”We are breaking new ground. I thought we were magnificent today.”‘Try getting that lot into work tomorrow’ – Gary Neville tips ‘Geordie Bank Holiday’ as Newcaslte fans celebrate cup win More

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      Player who has never played for Newcastle receives Carabao Cup winners’ medal due to little-known rule

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      A TEENAGER who is yet to make his Newcastle debut was given a Carabao Cup winners medal following Sunday’s 2-1 win over Liverpool.The Magpies ended their 70-year wait for a domestic trophy at the weekend by winning the Carabao Cup at Wembley.Sean Neave was on the bench for Newcastle during the Carabao Cup finalCredit: GettyThe 17-year-old was handed a winners medal despite not playing a single minute for the senior teamCredit: GettyDan Burn put his team 1-0 up on the brink of half-time with a composed header before Alexander Isak increased the advantage in the 52nd minute.Federico Chiesa got one back for Liverpool in added time, but it was not enough and Eddie Howe’s side went on to clinch the victory.Academy graduate Sean Neave was on the bench for Newcastle but did not get any minutes.Although he was denied the chance to make his senior debut at Wembley, the 17-year-old still received a winners medal.Read More on NewcastleNeave penned his first professional contract for Newcastle last summer.He said: “Ever since I was young, it’s been my dream to play for Newcastle United so to sign a professional deal here is surreal.”I was really pleased to make my debut for the under-21s as it means next year, I can push on and try to make a few more appearances and hopefully score a few goals.”Making my international debut was a really proud moment for me and my family. Playing for your country is one of the biggest things in football and I’m hoping that, next season, I can gain more appearances for England.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”I’m more than happy about my goals this season at under-18 level and I was really pleased to be the top goalscorer at the club.”I’m hoping I can push on, score a few more next season and be up there with the top goalscorers in the league.”Liverpool 1 Newcastle 2: Jubilant Toon finally end 70 years of heartache to win Carabao Cup in week from hell for RedsNeave scored less than two minutes into his Premier League 2 debut in November and is now one of the most highly-regarded young prospects at the club.Meanwhile, goalkeeper Martin Dubravka also received a medal despite not making an appearance.And reports are claiming that Miguel Almiron is poised to be given one despite leaving St James’ Park in January.Almiron made four appearances for the Magpies in the Carabao Cup this season before joining Atlanta United. More

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      Newcastle and England’s Dan Burn’s ex-team mates recall his ‘baptism of fire’ pro debut that ended in 5-0 hammering

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      DAN BURN is still pinching himself after celebrating a shock England call-up by scoring and then lifting the Carabao Cup at Wembley.The boyhood Newcastle fan is living his football fairytale at long last – but it’s all a far cry from his first senior professional appearance.Dan Burn’s Wembley heroics against Liverpool were a million miles away from his EFL debutCredit: GettyHis big breakthrough in pro football came with struggling Darlington in League TwoCredit: XBurn’s EFL debut came as a 19th minute substitute aged 17 on December 12, 2009 for bottom of League Two Darlington in a 5-0 thumping at Torquay United.Mark Bower was the man Burn replaced at the back that day and is now the manager of seventh tier Guiseley.The 45-year-old, who was later a team-mate of another future England and Prem star, told SunSport: “I remember him coming on for me but I’d never twigged that it was his debut. I did my ankle and needed an operation after that.“He was a big boy back then but obviously he’s filled out a bit now and has done brilliantly.READ MORE ON DAN BURN“I remember it was December and it was a very long drive down there. We got there quite late on Friday. That was possibly his first experience of an overnight stay.“He managed to get himself on but it was a bit of a baptism of fire for him. We were on a bad run, couldn’t score any goals and conceding plenty.“Then to lose 5-0. But stuff like that builds character. You learn lessons from it and he has learned some lessons and done really well.”Ex-midfielder Nathan Mulligan, now a coach at Northern Premier League Premier Division play-off hopefuls Stockton Town, was on the bench alongside Burn at Plainmoor.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSThe 38-year-old said: “It was a real bad time for us. I think we’d lost four in a row.“I don’t remember being particularly worried when Dan had to come on. Even though he was a scholar at the time, he had been in and around the first team squad and because of his size you had no worries about him stepping in physically. He was very slim but was tall as he is now. Thomas Tuchel shares hug with Dan Burn and Lewis-Skelly as England stars arrive at St George’s Park for double-header“He was a quiet lad. Really nice too and kept his head down.”Bower, part of the Bradford side that won promotion to the Premier League in 1999, admits that it was not Burn’s playing abilities that first caught the eye after the then scholar was brought into the first-team.He said: “He just sort of kept himself to himself pretty much and did his job as a young lad and was just trying to make his way in the game and was pretty quiet.“His size was a standout thing for someone so young. He’s obviously a big unit now and has filled out a lot but back then he was very skinny. Really tall and maybe a little bit awkward too, but a really good left foot on him and he could obviously win headers.The star is now hoping to win his first England cap on FridayCredit: Getty“You always feel when young players have got them kind of tools that they’ve got a chance but I don’t think anyone back then would have thought he’d have been playing in major cup finals, playing the Premier League and potentially England.”Burn played three more times that season, losing on each occasion, as Darlington were relegated out of the EFL.But after making more appearances in the National League it appeared his dream had already come true when Premier League Fulham brought him in.Mulligan admitted: “It was a surprise but it just shows you that you never know who could be watching you.“Dan is a good example for anyone to show that you have to give everything you’ve got every single time you go on the pitch.“We’ve seen it a few times in football. Someone could spot you at any time and that one person’s opinion can change everything.”Burns journey has taken him to the likes of Yeovil, Birmingham, Wigan and Brighton before he realised his ultimate ambition when signing for Newcastle three years ago.He would have retired a happy man with just that, let alone helping them to end their 70-year wait for domestic silverware.But Burn now has the opportunity to add the cherry on top to an already magical week by winning his first England cap on Friday.Something that his old team-mates admit they would never have thought possible in a million years.Mulligan said: “No, I’d never have thought that back then. But it’s a great reward for him. He is one of them that gets an eight out of ten every week and doesn’t have a bad game and now he’s got his chance with England due to injuries.“But this isn’t the end. He can still keep this going. He might get this first cap and once he’s in he could be for a long time.“Another year or so of hard graft and he might make the World cup squad. What an extreme that would be to go from the bottom of League Two with Darlo to a World Cup.”Burn’s journey is the second football fairytale that Bower has seen from close quarters.He added: “Just a year after I played with Dan Burn at Darlington I went to Halifax and played with Jamie Vardy. I’ve seen it firsthand twice how you can come from the bottom and work your way up. It is inspirational to young lads who get knockbacks early on.READ MORE SUN STORIES“But in all honesty, I don’t think you’d have predicted him to have done so well and when you listen to him on TV now he’s probably surprised himself a little bit. “Fair play to him. He’s used what he’s got and has become a really good player. And, due to his size, he probably doesn’t get credit for how good of a footballer he is.”How ‘big angel’ Joelinton rescued boss after he fainted in SubwayNEWCASTLE cult hero Joelinton rescued his old boss after he fainted in Subway.And coach Pellegrino Matarazzo still calls the Brazilian his ‘angel’.Matarazzo was Joelinton assistant manager during the midfielder’s spell in Germany with Hoffenheim.Recalling the scary incident, the Matarazzo revealed: “I was standing in the queue and I wasn’t feeling well.“I tried to go over to the Coca-Cola machine to quickly get a drink.”I realised I was about to faint, and I did faint.“When I opened my eyes I saw Joelinton! ‘Rino, Rino, are you okay?'”He was like a small, no a big, angel – Joelinton, what are you doing here?”Read the full story… More