Eddie Howe is desperately hoping his side can “achieve something special” and claim Newcastle’s first piece of major silverware in 69 years in the EFL Cup this season.

The Magpies have not won a domestic trophy since the 1955 FA Cup but go into tomorrow night’s quarter-final with Brentford as favorites to make the last four.

Howe said: “We’re here for it. When I came to Newcastle I made it very clear that that is what I wanted to achieve. In this regard I speak on behalf of the players and the coaching staff.

“When you get to this part of the competition it’s important to recognize that that’s our goal and what we’re trying to do. These games take on a lot of importance when you get to the later stages.

“We want to be a team that can cross the line and achieve something special. As you go through the competition, this round is very challenging and nothing will be taken for granted from us.

Eddie Howe spoke to the media earlier #NEWBRE Tomorrow in the Carabao Cup quarter finals 🗣️

You can watch today’s press conference live on the official Newcastle United app 📲 pic.twitter.com/CnMcZI3JvY

— Newcastle United (@NUFC) December 17, 2024

Last meeting got stung by bees

Newcastle faced Brentford in the Premier League earlier in the month, losing 4-2 in north-west London but bounced back with a comprehensive 4-0 win over Leicester City at the weekend.

Howe said: “Looking back for different things is an interesting game. Brentford moved to Chelsea and played a different system but they didn’t stray too far from their principles.

“Ultimately when you look back at the game we weren’t in the defensive aspect of our game which was strange for us mainly behind Liverpool’s performance. It was good to see us back to our defensive best against Leicester, I think that will be a big thing for us because we find ourselves back in scoring goals.

Given their desperation to end their trophy drought, Newcastle will go with a stronger squad tomorrow night.

“Every game is a cup final,” Howe said. “When you’re managing Newcastle, you can’t afford to lose any games and certainly any team I pick is with that view – it’s always with the view that I think this team can win and I certainly do. Will try and do that tomorrow. “