Big crowd for Euro tie will be fan-tastic
PETER Beardsley is hoping his young Newcastle United side will win the backing of a decent crowd as they enjoy their first taste of European football tomorrow night.
Continental competition returns to Tyneside in the shape of the Premier League International Cup at Whitley Park (7pm), with Sparta Prague the visitors to Tyneside.
Beardsley’s side have now failed to win in seven matches but are hoping to stop the rot against the side from the Czech Republic.
Looking ahead to the game, Beardsley, whose side lost 2-0 to Blackburn on Friday, told The Chronicle: “The lads can look at another competition for a night and not worry about Premier League Two.
“There was a good crowd on Friday (around 300) but will they turn up again on Tuesday? I hope so.
“Our manager Rafa Benitez has a way of keeping the fans onside.
“You look at our crowds, a sellout against Crystal Palace, and the Championship last season – it was down to him.
“He has the fans bang onside at the moment.”
Beardsley’s side have been preparing for the game over the weekend and he knows they will be in for a tough test.
He added: “Sparta have their own reserve league and we have had them watched.
“With the technology these days you can gain access to almost any team in the world.
“The preparation will be the same as for any other game.
“We started work on Sunday and watched what they do, including style of play, how direct they are or whether they pass and move. We have watched clips.
“Sparta Prague play good football and are a technical team.
“To be fair to us, it is another new test.
“There will come a point when some of our players will have a chance to play in Europe, whether it is for us or wherever, they will have a chance. It is good for them.”