The Magpies are residing in the bottom half of the Premier League after their uncertain start to the domestic campaign but there’s no such struggle in Europe and qualification for the knockout stages is now extremely likely for Eddie Howe’s side after they comfortably saw off Athletic Club 2-0 to make it three wins from four in the Champions League.

The victory means the Magpies are looking down on the likes of Real Madrid, Liverpool and Barcelona in the Champions League standings and they’re only two points shy of the tally that was enough to secure a place in the top 24 last season.

That feels a certainty now, even if three of the remaining four games for Newcastle are on their travels. Indeed, if Howe can find a solution to his side’s struggle on the road then a place in the top eight and automatic qualification for the last 16 is possible.

Dan Burn described having to sit through the rotten replays of Sunday’s no-show at West Ham as “very painful”. He’ll never tire of watching back his stunning headed opener that set Newcastle on their way against Athletic Club. That...