Rafael Benitez has admitted an FA Cup replay was almost the last thing he wanted after seeing Newcastle hit back late to deny Sky Bet Championship Blackburn a third round victory. Asked if a replay was the worst possible scenario, he replied: “Yes, in terms of another game, another situation that you have to manage with more minutes, more players, more risk. “I am not happy with another game – I would prefer to win this game and that’s it. Benitez said: “Some young players playing, some players who have not been playing having 90 minutes under their belts, the reaction of the team after we conceded and (Florian) Lejeune coming back after four and a half months with a serious injury. “But we have got a great spirit and togetherness and camaraderie and it takes us a long way, and I thought that was evident today.”- Press Association

Source: Irish Examiner January 05, 2019 21:00 UTC