Gael Bigirimana: “Obviously, you don’t wish for players to be out so you can play.
“They’re experienced players, and it’s good for me to learn from them.
“At the moment, it’s not like that, and I wish they’ll come back.
“I’ve just got to fill their boots, and be an option for the manager when he needs me.
“To play matches in the Europa League would give me more confidence and help me if I start in the Premier League.
“You don’t want these players to be injured – you want them to be on the pitch and the training ground every day.
“You learn more. If they’re injured, they can’t guide you.
“Hopefully, it’ll be a turning point for the club.
“We’ve been in two big competitions, and the Premier League is the most important one.
“We want to make sure the fans enjoy these games.
“You look at some teams, and you haven’t heard of them, then you play them, and it’s ‘oh, that’s why they’re in the Europa League!’.
“They’re a tough team, but in training the attitude of every player has been top class.
“We don’t want to go three games without a win. We want to show the fans that we care.
“Hopefully, we’ll show that. For me, it’s going to be the biggest game of the competition.
“It’s a must-win game – we must qualify, so we can give ourselves a rest and focus on the Premier League.
“Coming from the Championship and playing in Europa League games is crazy, but exciting at the same time.
“Coventry tried to pass and play football, but they got relegated. At Newcastle, we’re trying to mix it up.
“We try to play, and get forward quicker.
“We’ve just got to keep going and take our chances.”