Shay Given delivers his instant verdict on Newcastle United’s Champions League draw

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The Champions League draw is complete, and it could not have gone much better/worse for Newcastle United, depending on which way you view things.

Eddie Howe’s side have been drawn against Paris Saint-Germain, Borussia Dortmund and AC Milan. It is very much a group of death for the Magpies on their return to the Champions League.

A lot of fans, myself included, will be delighted with the draw. We are going to be playing some top teams, testing ourselves against the best.

In contrast, others will rightly fear that we will be at risk of finishing bottom of the group and being dumped out of Europe completely. That is a very real possibility given the calibre of the opposition.

Our Champions League group was always going to be tough due to being in pot four, but it could not be tougher when you look at the other possibilities for Newcastle.

But Howe’s side will be up for the challenge, and that is also the view of Toon legend Shay Given.

Shay Given admits Newcastle’s Champions League draw is ‘not easy’

Former Newcastle goalkeeper Shay Given has reacted on Twitter to the news that Newcastle will be facing PSG, Borussia Dortmund and AC Milan in the Champions League.

He wrote: “Not easy but we are back.”

Group of death for Newcastle

‘Not easy’ is Given putting it lightly. It certainly is not easy. In fact, it is very very hard and could result in Newcastle getting zero points from a possible 18.

But you never know. Newcastle have earned their place alongside these great clubs, and will be really keen to test themselves.

This is what the Champions League is all about. It is Europe’s best going head-to-head. Newcastle are part of that group, and are going to be up against the team that boasts one of the best players on the planet, Germany’s second best club and last season’s Champions League semi finalists.

As Given says, it will definitely not be easy, but the main thing is that we are in it. Newcastle United are in the Champions League, and will be welcoming some of Europe’s best teams to St James’ Park in the coming months.