'They can reach a quarter-final' - Jermaine Jenas assesses Newcastle United's UEFA Champions League chances

Former Newcastle United midfielder and current TNT Sports expert Jermaine Jenas has said he believes his old club can make it to the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League.

Ahead of the Magpies’ home clash against Borussia Dortmund, Jenas reflected on the astonishing 4-1 victory over PSG in the last game at St James’ Park.

He said that it was one of the best atmospheres he had witnessed this season.

“As atmospheres go, I don’t think it gets much better than that, in terms of what I’ve been at this year anyway. It was special but it was a long time coming, they’ve [Newcastle fans] been starved of any kind of joy or big occasion like that for so long so it was like they let everything all out in one night.

“And the players didn’t half deliver, did they? Even the tackles, celebrating them, just to be apart of it and see the joy on people’s faces back in Newcastle was amazing.”

Jenas was asked how far he thinks Newcastle can go in the tournament and he said a quarter-final is definitely within reach.

“Getting out of the group I think is definitely doable. I think a lot of people at the start were very worried but given their home form and given the ability to keep clean sheets as well that can see them through the group.

“From that point onwards you just don’t know. We saw it last year, AC Milan got to the semi-finals and that wasn’t the best Milan we’ve ever seen. So it depends on the kind of draws you get but a quarter-final, that would be a great starting block into Champions League football.

In terms of what the aim should be for Newcastle this season and what could constitute success, Jenas was clear in saying that they had to get back to the top four.

He cited Tottenham Hotspur, another of his former clubs, as an example of a team who were able to do it for a few years but couldn’t become a regular.

“A finish in the Champions League [spots] again, that has to become a consistent feature for Newcastle now. We saw with Spurs they managed to do it for a few years then they fell off.

“For Newcastle to maintain what they want financially and to keep investing in the team and as a club visually for big players to want to keep joining, they’ve got to be in that Champions League spot and probably another final I’d say. That would be a step in the right direction.”

You can watch Newcastle United v Borussia Dortmund live on TNT Sports and discovery+ in the UK.

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