Newcastle unveil stunning tifo and Eddie Howe banner with Magpies set for Champions League return after 20-year absence

Newcastle supporters marked what should be an inevitable return to the Champions League with a stunning display at St James’ Park.

Supporters were asked to be in their seats 15 minutes before the 8pm kick-off for the Premier League clash with Leicester so that they could partake in a visual extravaganza.

The display, designed and coordinated by fan group Wor Flags, featured an animation of Eddie Howe and all of Newcastle’s first team players on a Tifo that stretched across the length of the pitch.

The atmosphere also saw all fans waving black and white flags to create a huge show of support for the Tynesiders.

Newcastle go into the match knowing that they’re on the cusp of something very special.

Just a point against Leicester will be enough to see them secure Champions League football next season.

Doing so would mean that they’re in Europe’s biggest competition for the first time since 2003, when stars including the late Gary Speed, Jonathan Woodgate, Kieron Dyer and Alan Shearer competed against Partizan Belgrade in the qualifying round.

Thankfully for the Magpies, a top four finish would ensure a guaranteed spot in the group stage of next season’s competition, meaning that they would be guaranteed a minimum of six fixtures in the tournament.

However Leicester are hoping to spoil the party, with the Foxes in precious need of a win to bolster their declining hopes of avoiding relegation from the top flight.

Listen to full commentary of Newcastle vs Leicester live on talkSPORT and catch the latest updates on our live blog.