Newcastle United face the very real prospect of dropping out of the Champions League.
While there is a lot still to play for in their two remaining games, Newcastle sit bottom of Group F after two defeats on the spin to Borussia Dortmund.
Their next assignment in the Champions League is a trip to Paris Saint-Germain. While they thrashed the French champions at St James’ Park, traveling to the Parc des Princes surely needing to win feels a different matter entirely.
With that in mind, perhaps the idea of playing Europa League football should be taken into account. There would certainly be little shame in finishing third in a group containing PSG, Dortmund and AC Milan, even if not ideal.
Indeed, playing in Europe’s secondary club competition would at least offer the chance to win a trophy and thereby secure qualification for the Champions League again.
Clearly, however, that won’t be easy and talkSPORT pundit Ally McCoist believes there would be big competition in that tournament too.
Newcastle news: Ally McCoist gives Europa League verdict
Speaking on the radio station the morning after Newcastle’s defeat in Germany, McCoist said when asked if Newcastle would be favourites: “No. Liverpool would. Liverpool are in that tournament, they play Toulouse on Thursday. They would be one of the favourites, but I wouldn’t have them ahead of Liverpool!
“Absolutely they would have a chance of winning it but I don’t know whether they would be favourites.”
Europa League: Why it would be good for Newcastle
Fans need little reminding about just how long it’s been since Newcastle lifted silverware.
While competing in the Champions League would of course be the ideal, the quality of the group and a mounting injury crisis have not made things easy.
So then, attempting to win the Europa League would be quite a journey for Newcastle. They’d surely be one of the favourites (should they get there) and winning it would answer the need for a trophy, as well as provide a way back into the Champions League next season.
It certainly wouldn’t be easy but its not something to turn noses up at.
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