'We learned a lot': Eddie Howe says Newcastle United won't make the same mistakes ahead of this year's Carabao Cup final

Newcastle United have booked their place in the second Carabao Cup final in three years and while the first trip to Wembley for Eddie Howe was memorable, the result was not.

The fans and players soaked up every single moment of being in a major cup final, and rightly so, but there's a feeling already that this time, things will be different, at least from the club's side.

Newcastle's Premier League form dipped in the lead-up to the final two years ago, so that would be the first thing that Eddie Howe needs to address this time around.

However, it seems that's not all that will change as Eddie Howe told the Northern Echo that they learned a lot from that first cup final that they can use to make things different this time around.

Eddie Howe has learned from the last cup final

Howe admitted that by the time the game came round he was exhausted, and that he expects it was the same for the players.

“I think we learned a lot from that day. The whole build-up to the game was long. Looking back, it was exhausting for me, so I’m sure it was the same for the players.

“You learn different techniques to help keep your concentration and focus, and not become tired because of the long build-up. There’s definitely things that, as a club, we can look at and improve.

“We can help the players, and make sure that when that day comes around, we’re able to help them to perform and give our absolute best.”

Newcastle fans will not be able to take over Trafalgar Square

The more cup finals we get to, the less of a novelty it is and the more the players can focus on the game. The fans will always get carried away, we will never tire of being within touching distance of success.

Unfortunately, though, this year fans will not be able to take over Trafalgar Square with the square closed due to the planned St Patrick's Day celebrations.

That has spoiled the party somewhat, but we're sure our fans will find an alternative.