Cole Palmer issues "eat you alive" warning to Chelsea team-mates ahead of crucial clash

has stressed the importance of bravery for trip to a raucous St James' Park, warning: "They can eat you alive."

With Enzo Maresca at the helm, the Blues recognise the significance of the clash with Newcastle in shaping the top-five finish. Fresh from his 23rd birthday and inspired by the Champions League semi-final action on TV, Palmer is eager to renew place in Europe's elite competition next term.

acknowledged the challenge of visiting Newcastle. He said: "We know what the stadium is like and we know they are in a Champions League spot as well.

READ MORE:

READ MORE:

"We know it will be a tough game but we're going there to win. Hopefully we can do that. We need to go there and be brave."

Pointing out the harsh reality of playing in such an intimidating venue, Palmer emphasised: "If you go there and you're not brave, or scared, they can eat you alive. We need to be on it."

Newcastle has built an impressive streak at home, boasting five consecutive wins and scoring 18 times. Chelsea are below the Magpies in the Premier League table on goal difference only, but have a poor record on Tyneside — facing defeat in eight of their last twelve trips.

Yet, Palmer remains undaunted, stating: "I don't think anyone does."

Palmer, having just ended an 18-match goal drought, will be part of Maresca's star-studded line-up, which recently secured their spot in the Conference League final with a convincing aggregate victory over Djurgarden, and is ready to face the test that awaits at Newcastle.

"It's a nice feeling to be in the final," he said, though the low-key celebrations at Stamford Bridge made it clear that today is their top priority.

And while Newcastle's lack of European competition this season has undoubtedly helped their cause, Maresca's ability to rotate heavily throughout the campaign has been in part about ensuring that Chelsea can finish the season feeling moderately fresh.

Fellow European finalists Manchester United come to the Bridge on Friday, followed by a final day trip to Nottingham Forest that could still prove to be a shootout for fifth. And Palmer is confident that the depth of the Premier League's youngest squad - with an average age of 23-and-a-half - can still give them an advantage.

"Yeah we have a lot of quality, you could see that on Thursday night," he said, while he also believes that he is gradually becoming a leader in the dressing room. "That's what I feel like but obviously I'm still young myself so I have to keep growing and growing."

And there was a reminder of that youthfulness by the way he toasted turning another year older - after Tuesday's training session he met up with some friends for a kickabout on a rented astroturf.

"It was just to mess about," he said, in sharp contrast to the intense three weeks awaiting him.