EDDIE HOWE admits his Newcastle United side are ‘way ahead of schedule’ after confirming their qualification for the Champions League.

The Magpies will compete in Europe’s premier club competition for the first time in two decades next season after this evening’s goalless draw with Leicester City guaranteed a top-four finish.

When Howe took over at St James’ Park in the first half of last season, his main priority was to avoide relegation and keep Newcastle in the top-flight.

That was achieved with a fair bit to spare, but when the current campaign began last August, the Magpies boss admits he did not envisage ending the season in a Champions League spot.

Howe said: “This wasn’t in our sights at that moment. We had escaped relegation impressively, from the position we were in, and we were hopeful of improving and staying away from danger, and growing the team to a position where maybe we could compete for Europe in a couple of seasons.

“So, we’ve shot ahead of schedule. With that comes big challenges for the future, but when you’re in these moments and there’s an opportunity of something like this, you have to take it.

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“That’s where I can’t compliment the players enough. It would have been very easy for us to have faded away at some stage during a difficult run or a difficult moment, but we haven’t and that’s credit to the mentality of the group.”

Howe was joined by Newcastle’s players and staff on a post-match lap of honour this evening that saw a packed St James’ Park celebrate the club’s remarkable season. It was an emotional moment, with Howe soaking up every second.

He said: “It feels amazing, it really does. It was great to share that moment with the supporters at the end there.

“I’m very, very proud of everyone connected with the club, the supporters, the owners, who were on the pitch at the end, it was amazing to be with them. The whole squad were there with their families, it’s brilliant memories.”