McLaren taking Cup seriously with Newcastle

"Tomorrow night’s team is strong enough and good enough to win the game."

Steve McClaren has vowed to field the strongest team he can as he bids to end Newcastle’s 46-year trophy drought against Northampton.

The Magpies have made no secret in recent years that they regarded the domestic cup competitions – the club has won neither in 60 years – as a secondary priority to the Barclays Premier League, although owner Mike Ashley signalled a change in policy at the end of last season.