By Gabriel Agbonlahor

21st Sep, 2023 | 3:55pm

Bellingham cited as Agbonlahor makes thrilling Newcastle claim

Gabby Agbonlahor has backed Newcastle to reach the knockout stages of the Champions League despite the “group of death” label Group E has attracted.

The former Aston Villa striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted AC Milan, Paris Saint-Germain and Borussia Dortmund are “nothing special” and “nothing to be scared of”.

Newcastle played their first Champions League game for 20 years on Tuesday (19 September), drawing 0-0 away against AC Milan at San Siro.

The Magpies will also face Paris Saint-Germain and Borussia Dortmund in Group F – which has been widely dubbed the “group of death”.

In the Premier League, Newcastle have managed just six points from a possible 15 and sit 12th in the table.

They face PSG next in Europe at St James’ Park on 4 October.

Agbonlahor told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “I tell you what, I back Newcastle to get out of the group.

“I thought the Milan game was boring. But it’s the group stage – you have to get points.

“It’s not about going all out attack.

“I look at Newcastle and I think they beat Dortmund at home, beat Milan at home, draw against Dortmund away – and then you can afford to lose twice against PSG.

“I think they can even get something at home against PSG.

“Dortmund and Milan are nothing to be scared of. I think they will beat them.

“It might look like the group of death – but I don’t think it is. It’s just a label.

“The teams are nothing special. Milan are average, Dortmund have lost Bellingham and PSG have lost multiple players.

“I think there’s a good chance Newcastle go through.”

In other news, Newcastle United reach £40m agreement after player dispute.