Alan Shearer and Shay Given reply to Harvey Barnes’ Newcastle ‘dream’
Newcastle legends Alan Shearer and Shay Given sent messages to Harvey Barnes after the Carabao Cup final win over Liverpool.
Newcastle lifted their first major trophy in 70 years, thanks to a 2-1 win over Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final on Sunday (16 March).
An incredible header from Dan Burn opened the scoring for the Magpies on the stroke of halftime, giving them a well deserved lead following a ferocious start.
Newcastle then continued their dominance, as Liverpool transfer target Alexander Isak doubled their lead with a clinical finish from a Josh Murphy knock-down in the 52nd minute.
The Reds left it too late to begin their fightback, as a Federico Chiesa goal in the 94th minute proved to be nothing but a consolation.
Newcastle legends Alan Shearer and Shay Given send praise to Harvey Barnes
Following the historic win, Barnes posted a series of photos on Instagram, captioned: “This team!!! Dream come true lifting a trophy for Newcastle.
“Incredible support, I hope you guys enjoyed it as much as I did”.
The Premier League’s all-time top goal-scorer, Shearer, commented: “You were brilliant man”, whilst former goalkeeper and Ireland international, Given, responded by saying: “Congratulations, amazing”.
| 2024/25 Premier League stats | Barnes |
| Appearances | 23 |
| Starts | 7 |
| Goals | 5 |
| Assists | 2 |
| Minutes | 899 |
Barnes was not expected to start against Liverpool initially, having mainly been used as a substitute this season.
However, a red card for Anthony Gordon in the FA Cup fifth round tie against Brighton caused Eddie Howe’s first-choice at left-wing to be suspended, and the former Leicester man played well in his absence.
Newcastle look to tie down Eddie Howe after England rumours
Football Insider Verdict
Howe may not be in the Newcastle job for much longer, with Simon Jordan suggesting the English manager could replace Thomas Tuchel as England manager in the future.
The speculation may see the former Bournemouth manager earn a new contract at St James’ Park, and if that wasn’t enough, winning the Magpies their first major trophy in 70 years will strengthen his case.
Losing Howe at such a pivotal moment would be a blow for the club, the 47-year-old has always been one of the most coveted managerial prospects, and would prove tricky to replace.
As well as their manager, star striker Isak has also been linked with a departure from the North East, with Liverpool and Arsenal keen on the former Borussia Dortmund man.
It is not uncommon to see clubs picked apart after a period of success, Leicester were stripped of their best players (Jamie Vardy aside) after winning the Premier League, however, Newcastle are well equipped financially in order to retain their move valuable assets, and should do all they can to hold onto them.