Ally McCoist in love with Dan Burn moment in Newcastle win vs Qarabag: ‘It’s tremendous’
Ally McCoist has lavished praise on Dan Burn for his role in Newcastle United’s 6-1 win over Qarabag in the Champions League on Wednesday night.
The Magpies blitzed their opponents from Azerbaijan in the first leg of their play-off tie, to give themselves a commanding lead in the tie ahead of next week’s return leg at St James’ Park.
Anthony Gordon netted four goals in an eye-catching first half, with Malick Thiaw’s header and Jacob Murphy’s strike also contributing towards the heavy victory.
Gordon’s opener put Eddie Howe’s side ahead in just the third minute, as he raced clear of the hosts’ raced clear of the hosts’ backline to set his team on their way.
McCoist was left astonished by the dominance of Newcastle’s first-half display, and he singled out Burn for lavish praise for his role in the opening goal.
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Ally McCoist wowed by Dan Burn assist for Newcastle opener
Burn started at the heart of the defence for the Tynesiders, and he endured an easy evening as the hosts failed to threaten Nick Pope’s goal with any regularity.
That allowed the centre-back to exert an influence on the game with the ball at his feet, and that was evident right from the off, as he played a crucial role in Gordon’s opening goal.
The 33-year-old received a throw-in from the right flank just inside his own half, before surging forward through the midfield and laying Gordon in with an inch-perfect through ball.
His Newcastle teammate slotted the ball past Qarabag goalkeeper Mateusz Kochalski, and McCoist was left in awe of the way that Burn created the chance.
“It’s all about the pace and the through ball,” the former Rangers striker said during TNT Sports’ coverage of the game.
“Excellent through ball, and look at the acceleration. It’s tremendous, and then it’s a lovely, lovely finish.”
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Eddie Howe’s team selection already decided for second leg
Newcastle’s explosive display against Baku has left them in what is surely an unassailable position heading into the second leg, which is certainly not what they would have expected heading into the game.
Qarabag have already beaten both Eintracht Frankfurt and Benfica in this year’s competition, but they were completely outclassed by a rampant Magpies side.
Howe’s men have provided the boss with total luxury in terms of his team selection for the return leg, as he will now be able to fully rotate and protect his squad from the possibility of further injuries.
The full-time whistle has only just gone in Baku, and Howe will already have a strong idea of some of the squad players that he wants to hand opportunities to next week, as well as some of the youngsters who could be called up for the occasion.