Missing out on Champions League would be huge blow Newcastle boss Eddie Howe

LONDON – Eddie Howe admits it would be a “huge disappointment” if Newcastle United fail to seal qualification for the Champions League, as he prepares his men for their final English Premier League game of the season against Everton on May 25.

Howe’s side know a win at St James’ Park would effectively guarantee a top-five finish.

Fourth-placed Newcastle, on 66 points, are ahead of Chelsea and Aston Villa on goal difference, with seventh-placed Nottingham Forest a further point behind.

The Magpies are desperate to cap a memorable season by returning to the Champions League after a one-year absence.

They have already ended a 56-year trophy drought by beating Liverpool in the League Cup final and a lucrative place in Europe’s elite club competition would be the icing on the cake.

“If we miss out it will be a tough one to take. In that moment it will feel like a huge disappointment because we have been in there fighting for two-thirds of the season,” Howe said.

“We know what we need to do and what we want to do.”

Newcastle’s hopes of beating Everton will be significantly improved if Alexander Isak returns from injury.

The Swedish striker missed last weekend’s defeat at Arsenal with a groin problem and Howe said he was unsure whether his leading scorer would be fit to face the Toffees.

“We’d love him to be fit and available for the game,” the manager added. “But he has to be free in his movement and everything because he’s that kind of player, he’s electric at his best. So let’s see.

“We’ll only play him if he’s fit to contribute, but at the moment he has an opportunity, potentially.”

Meanwhile, Chelsea take on Forest while Villa are in action against Manchester United.

Unai Emery insists he will