Trippier insists Newcastle ahead of schedule

Newcastle United defender Kieran Trippier feels the team is ahead of schedule.

The Toon remain in the frame for Europe after Saturday's 1-1 draw against Brighton.

Trippier said: "We've got to be honest, we've got to be realistic as well we are ahead of schedule but that comes with expectation, it comes with pressure, we've got to deal with that as players.

"We've got a great squad and if that squad was fully fit, I think you look at the first game of the season and me personally I think it would have been a different season. But there were always going to be injuries this season but I think ours have been ridiculous."

He added: "I think it's a massive achievement. The season we've had freak injuries, I think at one point we had 12, 13 players out. The players that have been fit throughout the season deserve huge credit.

"But we've got the right manager who gives us that message, that never-say-die attitude throughout the season."