McCoist hails four Newcastle stars and says one was ‘unbelievable’ against PSG

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Ally McCoist was full of praise for Newcastle United stars Fabian Schar, Jamaal Lascelles, Lewis Miley and the ‘unbelievable’ Nick Pope during Tuesday’s 1-1 draw with Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League. 

It may be easier said than done, of course, but let’s try and put that scandalous VAR decision to one side and focus on what was a performance to be proud of. 

That staggering, stoppage-time penalty award – robbing Newcastle United a famous win in the French capital – should not dim the shine of 17-year-old Lewis Miley. Performing like a seasoned veteran on Europe’s biggest stage. It should not undo all the sterling defensive work of Fabian Schar and Jamaal Lascelles, much-maligned relegation-battlers under Steve Bruce just two years ago. 

Newcastle United robbed in PSG clash

And, even as a dejected Nick Pope picked Kylian Mbappe’s 98^th minute penalty out of his own net, the Newcastle goalkeeper could still look back on a save which even the greatest shot-stoppers in the storied history of the Champions League would be proud to add to their collection.

Denying Bradley Barcola from point-blank range in a moment that had Ally McCoist rubbing his eyes in disbelief. 

“That’s unbelievable,” the always-affable McCoist fawned during TNT Sport’s coverage of an enthralling encounter. “What a save. Brilliant.” 

Pope was outstanding again some 10 minutes later. Inch-perfect positioning seeing the one-time Charlton Athletic ‘keeper reach a loose ball first and deny the onrushing Mbappe a chance he would almost have certainly converted 

“Brilliant, absolutely fantastic. excellent off his line,” McCoist said. “If he starts 10 or 15 yards further back, he’s in trouble.” 

Pope works miracles in Paris

Pope was not the only one hailed to the hilt by everyone’s favourite co-comm. Lewis Miley twice earned McCoist’s praise with a pair of well-timed blocks in the penalty area. Centre-half duo Jamaal Lascelles and Fabian Schar, the Rangers legend beamed, were also ‘excellent’ on the night. 

But when we said this was the ‘Group of Death’, we didn’t mean the ‘Death of Football’. That’s how it felt as the superb Tino Livramento was penalised for a ‘handball’ in the loosest sense of the word.