Shay Given has a Champions League message for Eddie Howe as he returns to the San Siro with Newcastle
Shay Given talks to Chronicle Live about his Champions League memories and his message for the current crop of Newcastle United stars
Shay Given knows a thing or two about playing in Europe for Newcastle United. The Magpies legend was between the sticks during the club's last visit to Europe's top table, whether you want to class that as the second group stage defeat to Barcelona or the third qualifying round stumble against Partizan Belgrade the following season.
"It's mad to think it's been 20 years since we've been here," Given told Chronicle Live in the build-up to Newcastle's eagerly-awaited European return. "All I would say to Eddie and the lads is 'embrace it, enjoy it and show we're there to mean business.'"
The Geordie faithful need no telling twice about seizing the opportunity in front of them. As the clock ticked down in the final seconds of Saturday's unattractive win over Brentford, there was only one song on the Gallowgate Corner hymn sheet. They're all going to Milan, it seems.
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As Howe's side were returning to winning ways on Tyneside, Newcastle's upcoming Champions League opponents were receiving a San Siro shaming by rivals Inter. But this AC Milan outfit is still packed with power and big names who can cause their visitors harm this week. There'll be no easy fixtures between now and December on the continent.
"I kind of think because we've been out of it so long, we're now back with a bang," Given continued, discussing Newcastle being placed in the 'Group of Death'.
"Every single game, home or away, is absolutely massive. I'm not trying to disrespect any of the smaller teams but every single game is humongous and the history is just amazing. It's an amazing opportunity.
"My son is 18 and he's never seen Newcastle kick a ball in Europe live and he was born in the RVI! He's badly excited about Tuesday night and I'm sure every Newcastle fan around the world is too. I just say bring it on."
Given's oldest son Shayne won't be alone in flocking to the San Siro as 4,500 fellow Geordies prepare to take their place in the iconic venue. For the Irish goalkeeper, who will also be in attendance on Tuesday, it will be a reminder of his playing days having lined up for Newcastle against Inter Milan 20 years ago.
Some of those in attendance this week may not have ever been born when Given pulled on that famous NTL strip and helped inspire the north east outfit to a 2-2 draw, with help from an Alan Shearer brace. This time around it will be Fabian Schar instead of Titus Bramble, Bruno Guimaraes in place of Jermaine Jenas and Anthony Gordon occupying Laurent Robert's role.
"It'll be special," Given adds. "Even when I played there it was probably getting old but it was probably one of the best stadiums I ever played in to be honest.
"You walk onto the pitch and it feels as though the stands are literally on top of you. It's an extremely special place to play. It may need a bit of a revamp now but take nothing away from the feeling of just being there and the size of the stadium. In the newer stadiums the crowd are a bit far back but in this ground it feels as though the top tier are sort of jumping over the top of you.
"These players will, of course, be excited. When you line up before the game and the music is playing and the cameraman is going along the line, whoever Eddie picks for the game, there'll be hairs on the back of their necks standing up.
"And you know the Newcastle fans could have sold it out 10 times over. They'll be crammed into every corner of the stadium. The away section will be jumping and these fans deserve that. Even just sat here talking about it, I'm getting hairs standing up on the back of my neck! I'm sure the players are feeling the same way."
The last manager to lead Newcastle out in Europe's premier competition was of course Sir Bobby Robson. The illustrious coach always relished the biggest clashes Europe had to offer and it seems he even saved some of his best pre-match training work for the night before big games too.
"I always say about this Bobby - it was always like we were the 'lucky' players. You talk about the 11 players that would line up next week and we always thought we were the lucky 11 that he would pick. We were the lucky set of players to represent these fans.
"We always used to train in the away stadium the night before a game and all the cameras would be there and Bobby would be on his stool putting on a masterclass of a finishing session. He always upped it a level when all you reporters turned up! That was just his personality."
As Given answers about playing under Sir Bobby, he hits the nail on the head regarding the significance of this week's European showdown by looking back at the struggles of recent years. For a long time, Newcastle fans pondered if they'd ever be back here.
Just a mere few years ago they were facing the real possibility of becoming a second tier side more often than reaching this competition. After all those wasted opportunities under the previous regime, now it's time to enjoy what comes next.
Shay Given is a brand ambassador for sports betting platform CopyBet. Visit CopyBet.com for more information.