Happy Birthday NUFC

Last updated : 09 December 2017 By Footy Mad - Editor

Rafa Benitez wants the current Newcastle United players to emerge as heroes at St James’ Park tonight - despite the fact some big-names are returning to Tyneside to help celebrate the club’s 125th anniversary.

A clutch of Kevin Keegan’s Entertainers will be paraded on the pitch this evening along with stars from the club’s Fairs Cup winning team and some key men from the 1970s and 1980s.

But Benitez hopes that one of the current crop of Toon players can grab the headlines against the Foxes.

He told the Chronicle: “It will be great to see the current players making the difference in this game.

“After he game, everybody will also be talking about them, as well as the 125 years of history.”

A flag display will also take place and a special programme has been released by United to make the day one to remember.

When asked if the events could prove to be a distraction, Benitez said: “Hopefully not.

“I think that the main thing for us is that we make sure the atmosphere for us works in our favour of our players.

“Everybody needs to focus on supporting the team and hopefully we have something to celebrate.

“The day can be positive.”