Former Newcastle player Liam O’Brien has backed manager Rafa Benitez to get the Magpies back to the top flight at the first attempt.
Speaking to NUFC TV, the former Republic of Ireland international said the squad that the Spaniard has assembled is very strong, and he was particularly excited by how convincing the side were in the last game of the Premier League season against Tottenham when the club had already been relegated:
“I’m very confident. I was actually at the last game of the season against Spurs in the Premier League; that was a great result. It’d be great to see them doing well. If they start well and win their home games, they’ve got the right man in charge so hopefully he can get them back up into the Premier League. There’s some really good players here. It’s a strong squad and I’m looking forward to seeing them hopefully get back up.”
O’Brien was part of Kevin Keegan’s side that won promotion to the Premiership back in the 1992/93 season and will forever be remembered for the free kick he scored against Sunderland in the Tyne-Wear Derby. Benitez will be hoping that his current Newcastle side are as successful in getting back to the Premier League as O’Brien’s team was, and then establishing themselves once again in the top division of English football. Rafa’s men must first complete their pre-season fixtures and will next face Lokeren in Belgium on Saturday.
