We can’t let this opportunity slip, says Tom

Only West Ham United – a side they have already encountered on a string of occasions this term – stand between the Magpies and a promotion berth.

After finishing third in the regular campaign, Peter Beardsley’s side saw off Fulham in their semi-final meeting a week ago, while the Hammers recovered from a half-time deficit to overcome Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux.

Newcastle have rarely strayed far from the upper echelons of the table in recent months, and made sure of a play-off place with time to spare.

And now, on the back of a comfortable win against the Cottagers, Heardman has spoken of his hunger to see the job through tomorrow night.

“Being in this league, you want to progress – you want to move up and be playing the top teams in the country,” he told nufc.co.uk. “It’s been a long season. We’ve done really well to get ourselves into this position, and it’d be a shame to let all that work go to waste. There’s a real desire to make the most of the opportunity we have, get the win and get promotion. And if we play the way we know we can, there’s no reason why we can’t do that.

“We’ve played West Ham a few times this season, so we kind of have an idea of what they’re about. They’re obviously a strong side – they wouldn’t be at this point if they weren’t – but at the same time, we have beaten them this season, so we know we can do that again.

“Because of what’s at stake, the game is going to be unique, but you can’t let the occasion get to you. You just need to concentrate on the game.”

United were quick out of the traps against Fulham a week ago, with Jamie Holmes opening the scoring early on and Stuart Findlay adding a second before the break.

First-team manager Rafa Benitez paid the players a visit prior to the game, something which Heardman attributed to their flying start.

“It was amazing for us to have him come down – showing that he is there to support us and watch what we’re doing,” he said. “It helps – you want to show the staff higher up what you can do and what you’re about, so having him show his face before the game gives you that extra motivation to play well.

“Straight from the off, we were bright – we wanted to show individually we have a lot of great players, but as a team we can put together a good performance as well.

“After that win, we’re confident, but I think we know there is a lot we can improve on. We really want to control the game more, and dictate the pace of it. If we can get ourselves into a winning position on Tuesday, hopefully we can react to what happens a bit better. We’ve had a little bit of time now to work with Pete and Ben (Dawson) and prepare how we’re going to play, and we’re going to give it 100 per cent.”

Entry to Tuesday's game will be free for all Magpies season ticket holders and members. Tickets will be available at the East Stand turnstiles, priced at £3 for adults and £1 for concessions.