Joelinton sends message on Instagram to Sean Longstaff

By Ben Evans

Newcastle United stormed into the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup on Tuesday with a 2-0 win over Leicester City.

Goals from Dan Burn and Joelinton secured their place in the final four of the competition.

They avoided a two-legged clash with Manchester City after they were defeated by Southampton last night.

It presents Eddie Howe’s side with a magnificent opportunity to reach a first domestic final in over 20 years.

He’ll have been delighted with the performance of his side against a spirited, but injury ravaged, Leicester side.

After their disappointing defeat at the weekend to Sheffield Wednesday a response was very much required.

One player who retained his place in the side for the Carabao Cup tie was midfielder Sean Longstaff.

Longstaff has enjoyed the best spell of his career under Howe like many of his Newcastle teammates.

He’s formed a brilliant partnership with Joe Willock and Bruno Guimaraes in the middle of the park this season.

Longstaff impresses in the Carabao Cup

The 25-year-old took to Instagram yesterday to celebrate his side’s victory.

“Into the semis! What a team” the midfielder said to his followers.

A number of his Newcastle teammates were clearly impressed, with Joelinton calling him a ‘Machine’.

Longstaff’s work-rate stands out when playing for Newcastle, although Howe has backed him to score more goals.

He’s yet to score more than once in a league season for Newcastle, with his customary goal coming against Fulham this campaign.

Howe has admitted he would really miss Longstaff if he wasn’t in the team.

Newcastle have been linked with a number of midfield players this month.

The Magpies are considering a bid for Youri Tielemans in January, with his contract running out in the summer.

Lazio star Sergej Milinkovic-Savic is another player Newcastle are ready to move for.

However, if Longstaff keeps putting in performances like he did in the Carabao Cup, Howe will struggle to replace him.

As a local lad, there’ll always be a soft spot for Longstaff amongst the Newcastle fans.