For the second time in eight years, Newcastle United touched down in the Portuguese capital Lisbon yesterday with hopes of European glory strong. Chief football writer Paul Fraser explains how Alan Shearer wants to see the class of 2013 go one better

WHEN the Newcastle United squad walked off the club’s chartered plane at Lisbon airport yesterday, the memories of 2005 will have come flooding back to a couple of members of the party.

It was eight years ago this month when the Magpies had similar dreams of success shattered against Sporting Lisbon, with survivors from that season still frustrated by the events of a disappointing night at the Estadio Jose Alvalade.

Steven Taylor, the only current player to have appeared that evening, and Shola Ameobi were both in the Portuguese capital to endure the torment of having a UEFA Cup semifinal spot taken away from them in the final 20 minutes against Sporting.

In the first leg a header from Alan Shearer eight minutes before half-time secured a lead going into the return fixture. Yet, despite scoring an away goal a week later, three Sporting goals in the closing stages knocked the Magpies out.

Once again dreams of ending a long wait for major silverware ended in disappointment; a disappointment compounded days later when they lost a FA Cup semi-final to Manchester United at the Millennium Stadium.

“No-one has to remind me what happened the last time Newcastle played there,” said Shearer. “We travelled over to Lisbon with high hopes of going all the way but not only did we go out to them, we lost to Manchester United in the FA Cup as well. That was hard to take, one of the worst weeks I had as a footballer.

“Fortunately, they’ve got the home leg second this time which is a big bonus. If they can come back with a decent result, then there will be a full house at St James’ Park and that is bound to help.”

Newcastle have not come close to a trophy since, which is why the excitement is so high on Tyneside ahead of tomorrow night’s first leg with Sporting’s major city rivals Benfica in the quarterfinal of the Europa League.

“It did bring back all those memories when the draw was made but the first thing I thought of was they were lucky to get the second leg at home this time because that is to their advantage,” he said.

“Ahead of that game against Sporting, I really thought that was our best chance of winning silverware for this club.

When you look at the teams that were left in the competition, there was no one who really stood out so I have to say, that was a great opportunity missed.

“We won the first leg and went ahead there so were two-up on aggregate. I remember in the first 15 minutes and Kieron went through one on one with their keeper and missed and had that gone in, it might have been a different story – so let’s all blame Kieron Dyer!”

Benfica are Portugal’s most dangerous team this season, sitting top of their domestic league. But, despite Newcastle’s position towards the wrong end of the Premier League table, Shearer believes Alan Pardew has a group of players more than capable of fairing better this season.

“They have got a good chance,” said Shearer, recently inducted into the Newcastle United Foundation’s Hall of Fame.

“The additions made in January have made all the difference and these days, I expect them to win most games they play.

“I have no worries about Newcastle being relegated either. I did before they signed all those players in January. Up until then, it was going to be a long, hard season but now that the squad’s been strengthened – and not just strengthened but extra quality has been brought in, I think they will be fine and even have a chance of being successful.”

If Newcastle can overcome Benfica over the course of the next ten days then suddenly the chances of winning something for the first time since the Fairs Cup success in 1969 – which included a quarter-final victory in Portugal over Vitoria de Setubal – would significantly increase and aspirations on Tyneside would reach new heights.

Shearer is already primed for an end of season trip to the AmsterdamArenA for the final. “I’d have to look at my schedule but would try to clear everything so that I could be there if they reached the final,” he said.

“I would try everything in my power to clear the decks and make sure I go. My lad (Will) would love to go too.

He is a huge Newcastle fan now and loves coming. It would be great to go out there with him.

“No-one knows more than me what it would mean if this club could finally get some silverware. It would give the city and the surrounding areas a huge lift and huge boost. It would send it bonkers, it really would – so we’re all hoping.”

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