A CABBIE from the North-East is hoping to win a new £10,000 taxi from former player Robbie Savage if Newcastle United qualify for the Champions League.

Matty Nolan, 41, said the football pundit promised to splash out if Newcastle United finish in fourth spot in the Premiership.

He said he made the bet with the Strictly Come Dancing star when he gave him a lift last August.

On Sunday, Newcastle beat Bolton 2-0 to go fifth with 59 points, equal with Tottenham who are fourth on goal difference.

Mr Nolan, who lives near St James’ Park, said: "I think I’ll be getting a new taxi in a few weeks. I know Robbie will be good for his bet. I’ll make sure I get him to come with me to the showroom to pick one out. It’ll be the talk of the cab rank.

"I’ll probably buy him a drink or two."

Mr Nolan said he got chatting with Mr Savage, 37, when the midfielder bragged about a goal he scored for Leicester against Newcastle.

He said: "We were third in the table at the time and I said to him: ‘I bet you we finish in the top four'.

"He couldn’t believe what I was saying and started laughing. That’s when Robbie wrote down the bet on one of my receipts and signed it. It was for £10,000."

Mr Savage asked the cabbie to come forward after Newcastle beat Swansea 2-0 on Friday.

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live’s 606 phone-in show, he said: "I’m a man of my word, mate.

"As much as I thought they would never finish there I promise you, if they do, I’ll have to buy you that taxi."