Tripps ‘fit’ for crunch Red Devils clash

KIERAN Trippier has declared himself ready to go for Newcastle United’s crunch clash at Manchester United tomorrow night.

The Magpies’ European hopes could well lie on the outcome of this fixture with Trippier back in time for the decisive part of the season after a longstanding calf injury.

Trippier made his return at St James’ Park in the 1-1 draw with Brighton & Hove Albion after three months out with that muscle injury originally sustained in the 3-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers.

His cameo appearance could not inspire a late winner after he was afforded five minutes at the end of the stalemate with the Seagulls.

Trippier told The Journal: “I’m fit. It’s the manager’s decision.

“I will never not give everything, you know me. Even if I am on the touchline I will give everything warming up for the full game. It is what is best for the team. For me, I will be ready if called upon. I don’t want to pick the team myself, if I did I’d be in it! But that is the manager’s choice.”

For the second season running, Newcastle go head to head with Man United with a European place the prize at the end of the 90 minutes potentially. Last term, the Magpies were beaten 2-0 in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley and the Red Devils lifted a trophy.

This time the stakes aren’t quite as high with no Wembley showpiece, but there is still an important prize on offer in the shape of the Europa League. When asked if there was any motivation still driving Newcastle after losing the cup final, on the back of three consecutive victories in league and cup against Erik ten Hag’s men, Trippier said: “That’s the past. We have beaten them since then a couple of times at home (and at

Old Trafford).

“We know what is at stake. There’s no revenge or anything like that. We’re on our own journey and we know we have to go there and get the win. We can’t give anything less.”

Trippier has a big summer ahead of him with England but knows that he must sign off on a high with Newcastle first. The full-back said: “It was a bit frustrating. We go again on Wednesday.

“If you look at the course of the season, the setbacks and ups and downs to be in the position we are in is unbelievable.

“We have an opportunity now to finish even higher with two wins from the last two. It will be tough, but the way we have played recently I don’t see why not.”