A lot of my pals will be in the Newcastle United end even though I play for Liverpool

Liverpool midfielder James McConnell has revealed that 'a lot' of his friends will be in the Newcastle United end for the Carabao Cup final.

The Geordie, who started out at Cramlington Juniors before being snapped up by Sunderland, joined Liverpool at the age of 14. However, McConnell has never lost touch with his roots and the midfielder has even been back to watch Morpeth Town at Craik Park.

Although it is clear where McConnell's loyalties understandably lie, these days, the 20-year-old knows plenty of Newcastle fans who will be hoping that the Magpies end their long wait for silverware at Wembley.

"Maybe in the extended family," he told Redmen TV. "For me and my family, probably not, because you just have to switch. My family along with me will be hoping that Liverpool can get it done, but I think a lot of my mates from home will probably be in the Newcastle end.

"I think it will be a great game. If I can be in and around it, that would be great. If I'm watching from the stands, that will be great as well."

Liverpool came out on top when the sides met at Anfield last month, but Arne Slot said he expected 'something different' from Newcastle at Wembley. Slot previously saw Newcastle go toe-to-toe with his side at St James' Park back in December and the Liverpool boss has hailed the Magpies as a 'very good and well-managed team' ahead of the final.

"They are a team that can play at a high intensity like Paris Saint-Germain and us," he added. "That's why Paris Saint-Germain went to the next round and that's why Newcastle are in the final because that is modern football. You need intensity to win games."

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