'I'm not shy': Eddie Howe has laid down the gauntlet for himself in today's press briefing

Eddie Howe met the media this afternoon to discuss tomorrow's game with Borussia Dortmund, with anticipation rising in the city ahead of Newcastle's second home game of their European campaign.

It's Champions League week again and Howe has been speaking to the media ahead of matchweek three.

Much like Friday, a lot of the focus was on Sandro Tonali and his impending punishment, but there was still time for Howe to talk about other things.

One item that Howe did discuss was his desire to bring silverware to Newcastle (quotes courtesy of The Chronicle).

Eddie Howe has laid the gauntlet down for himself and his team

“My aim and our aim is to try and win a trophy. I'm not shy of saying that. No matter what competition.

The better you can do in the high-profile competitions, it can only help you.”

Does anyone else remember the days of Eddie Howe being coy?

There was a time when he'd barely even publicly back the team to win and now he's outright saying he's gunning for trophies!

The Magpies came close to a first cup since 1969 last season

And why shouldn't he?

He came so close last season, getting us to the Carabao Cup final only to be deservedly beaten on the day by Manchester United.

We all took that one as a free hit. Just dipping our toe in the waters of success to see if we're ready to dive in. We weren't quite ready on that occasion, but we've got our trunks on and our goggles on and we're standing on that diving board now.

It may not be the Champions League, but there's every chance Newcastle could lift a trophy this season. Although don't rule out the biggest prize of all, we proved against Paris Saint-Germain that we aren't just here to make up the numbers.