Ryan Fraser and Dan Burn have made a promise to Newcastle fans that they might not be able to keep.
The Magpies face Burnley in their final game of the season, with Premier League safety already secured.
Eddie Howe’s side have done brilliantly to move away from the relegation zone, and could actually finish in the top half.
There’s no pressure on Newcastle to get a result at Turf Moor, although you can guarantee Howe will be desperate to end the season with three more points.
Everyone has played their part in the Magpies’ survival mission, from new players to old. Burn has been excellent since his £13million move, while Fraser has really stepped up since the turn of the year.
The little and large duo appear to have struck up a good relationship, and have made a point of walking out onto the pitch next to each other despite the massive height distance.
They discussed this in an interview with Sky Sports last month, and ended up making a promise for the final game of the season.
Dan Burn promised to piggyback Ryan Fraser onto the pitch
The giant defender admitted that it happened by accident, but they continued doing it because of the reaction from fans.
Burn: “We’re hoping by the end of the season we’ll be able to walk out like player and mascot.”
Fraser: “If we’re safe and we’re flying, I might piggyback him on the way out.”
Smith: “Just to clarify, if Newcastle stay up, last game of the season, Dan Burn is going to piggyback Ryan Fraser out the tunnel.”
Burn: “Yeah, fine by me.”
Fraser: “We’re going to get subbed after two minutes if the gaffer sees us.”
Ryan Fraser might not feature against Burnley
As hilarious as that would have been, it doesn’t look like it’s going to happen. While Newcastle are certainly safe and flying, Fraser might not be fit enough to feature.
Howe has confirmed that the Scottish winger is a doubt for the clash with the Clarets. He returned from injury off the bench against Arsenal last time out, but might not play in our final game.
“Ryan Fraser might be out of the game”, Howe told the Northern Echo.
“He came on and had a slight awareness in his hamstring. I don’t think there is a massive reinjury but there is an awareness in his hamstring again.”
From a player perspective, it’s disappointing that Fraser won’t be involved as he’s been great for us this season. But the worst thing is that we won’t see him getting a piggyback from Burn.
It would have been hilarious to see, even if it might have angered the Burnley team that will be fighting for survival.
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