Sterry seeking semi-final success in Premier League Cup

Ben Dawson's side have already secured play-off qualification in Premier League 2 Division Two and are targeting a maiden appearance in the Premier League Cup final ahead of their trip to Guiseley's Nethermoor Park (kick-off 7pm BST).

Newcastle's youngsters suffered a setback in their title bid after a 5-0 home defeat against Manchester United but Sterry, who returned from a loan spell at Crewe Alexandra in January, believes the under-23 squad can revert back to winning ways following the loss at St. James' Park.

He told nufc.co.uk: "It's a massive game. We want to progress to the final and need to have a good reaction from our last game against Man United. We didn't play very well so it's a chance for us to put things right. The lads have played really well all season, so hopefully we can go and get the win.

"It would be a good reward as it's been a strong season for the squad. We want to win trophies and we are also in the play-offs too. We want to go through to the final and have a good chance of winning the cup.

"We have a lot of confident players at the club. There's a lot of good players and it's a great group of lads. They always stick together which helps as a team."

Newcastle have already faced Leeds in this year's group stages of the competition, with the Magpies recording a 2-0 home triumph before suffering a 3-1 defeat in their reverse fixture in Group H, in which Sterry got his name on United's scoresheet.

The Newcastle-born defender, who has made three appearances for the Magpies' first-team this term, feels the experience of facing the West Yorkshire side could be beneficial for the youngsters as they aim to avenge their defeat back in February.

The right-back added: "You never know what team they are going to put out but it's always helpful if you have played them before. You get to know the players you come up against a bit better and what their strengths and weaknesses are. We've got to keep working hard and make sure we are pushing. If we can get promoted and win a trophy, it would be fantastic for the squad.

"I like to think that I can help some of the lads in the squad but they all know what they have to do. In cup games, you just sometimes have to play the game. It's one match and about going all out and doing what is necessary to win but we will still want to try and play good football.

"All the lads understand when it is best to get rid of the ball and play. They have done that very well all season to get where they are at now and since I've come back into the squad, everybody's been really good." 

The semi-final meeting is sold out and there will be no tickets available on the gate.