It's under-rated, and Chris Hughton has gone public and said the Carling Cup is well down his list of priorities ... but it offers the possibility of Newcastle United's first trophy since Bob Moncur lifted the Fairs Cup in Budapest back in the days of black and white TV - never mind black and white stripes.
Sunderland, Chelsea, Manchester City, Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur, Everton, Bolton Wanderers, Fulham and Blackburn Rovers have all gone ... but the mighty Man Utd and Arsenal are still there to stop us.
But we CAN do it ... if Hughton has the faith.
Wednesday’s 4-3 win over Chelsea was done with a collection of reserves and kids, and he will have to rethink a few things if we want to make our first trip to Wembley this century.
Saturday's draw must be kind to us, as I think we used up a lot of our luck beating Chelsea, but Northampton or Brentford at St James’ Park would do nicely thank you.
We are not in Europe, just starting to establish ourselves again in the top flight, and although the Football League Cup is seen as a booby prize that no one really seems to want ... it's a path into Europe ... and a cup.
Since Middlesbrough lifted the trophy in 2004 it has been shared between Chelsea, Spurs and current holders Manchester United, so at least Fergie takes it seriously.
A good cup run can only continue the feel-good factor at St James’.
Chris Hughton has made 21 team changes in two games this season, and blooded the kids, but perhaps it's time to have a rethink.
With the fourth round falling in derby week, Hughton will be tempted to ring the changes again, so perhaps we could do with a kind draw.
But, at the end of the day, success is judged by winning trophies.
Too often we've made the most of our "little victories", producing videos and DVDs of our 5-0 win over Man Utd, the 3-2 against Barcelona, and wins over Sunderland.
Isn't it time we raised the bar and aimed a little higher than one-off wonders?
Because it is the very least their fans deserve!