Full strength Newcastle side for Northampton cup clash

Toney will know the strengths and weaknesses of Northampton, where he came through the academy and went on to make 60 appearances for his home town team.

“We didn’t work hard enough to get on the ball and when we did have possession we didn’t show enough patience or composure”, he said.

“This club has had a fantastic record in the League Cup but we know there’s a lot of things that will have to go for us on the night, but if you don’t think you can get a result it is not worth getting on the bus”.

“128 years – I hope we don’t have to wait that long!”

It would be unsafe to get too carried away by one performance – albeit one that was significantly superior to what most people were expecting before kick-off – but Newcastle’s defensive display at Old Trafford on Saturday nevertheless provided a timely rebuttal to those who were citing the previous weekend’s capitulation against Swansea as evidence of a deep-rooted defensive problem.

Key strikers Peter Beardsely and Paul Goddard would also have been unavailable for the original date due to injury, but by the time the match was played three weeks later, the pair were fit, and were to play a crucial role.

But he is still looking for another 20 per cent from his players.

He also remembers the nerves of the 3-2 second round replay win over Southend United that secured the tie against his boyhood heroes.

But where exactly will this game by won or lost?

Newcastle host League Two Northampton and McClaren says his side can expect a tough evening.

“They’ve done that, and deep down, I think he always wanted to finish his career at Newcastle“.

“Some people freeze, but they didn’t, they enjoyed the big stage”.

“It’s a different rhythm in the game, different requirements, but we’re as able as any to give it a good crack”.

‘There was a point in the summer where we thought he (Coloccini) might well be going.

“Playing at places like Newcastle can inspire players”.