Stephen Carr outlines 'shock' European run for former side
Ex-Premier League defender Stephen Carr has predicted a ‘shock’ run for his former side in this year’s UEFA Champions League.
Carr represented Ireland on 44 occasions between 1999 and 2007, while starring for a number of top sides in England.
The 49-year-old lined out for Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle United and Birmingham City in England’s top division, making 377 appearances in total.
Carr represented Ireland on 44 occasions between 1999 and 2007. Pic: Matt Browne / SPORTSFILE
While two of his former sides are making inroads in European club football’s biggest competition this season, Carr believes one of them can ‘shock a few teams’.
Newcastle have cruised into the Round of 16 after smashing Qarabag in the play-off round over the past week.
The first leg, which took place in Baku on February 18, finished in a whopping 6-1 victory for the Magpies.
The former Newcastle man has big hopes for a European run. Pic: ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP via Getty Images
Last night, they followed that up with a 3-2 win in the reverse leg, sealing their spot in the last 16.
Despite the league season not going particularly well for Eddie Howe’s side, Carr believes they can make a strong push in the Champions League.
He told Extra.ie: ‘The confidence from the first leg win against Qarabag will give the whole squad huge confidence, and it looks like Eddie Howe has found a system that works and suits the attacking players well.
Newcastle cruised past Qarabag in the Champions League. Pic: Carl Recine/Getty Images
‘Anthony Gordon looks comfortable. Elanga is beginning to find form, Harvey Barnes looks dangerous, and Woltemade is linking up play well. So they are in the last 16, and teams won’t be looking to head to St James’ Park.
‘Not saying they can win it, but they sure could shock a few teams.’
Meanwhile, this season has been a dire affair for another of Carr’s former sides – Tottenham.
Carr launched his Premier League career at Spurs. Pic: Jamie McDonald/Getty Images
Spurs have found themselves dragged into a relegation battle and are currently sitting 16th in the Premier League table.
To make matters worse, their arch-rivals Arsenal are top of the league, and Carr reluctantly believes that the title is likely in their future.
He added: ‘I don’t like to say it, but yes, Arsenal can win the title this year. They have built a very good squad, and you can see this in being able to rotate their players and defensively, they look considerably strong.
Arsenal hammered Tottenham over the weekend. Pic: Marc Atkins/Getty Images
‘Man City are in with a big shout, but Arsenal are fancied to get over the line, although it will be mighty close.
‘Arsenal have the lead now over City, and City will have to improve defensively if they are going to win the title.’
Stephen Carr speaking with Extra.ie via football betting odds from NetBet Sport.
