It has been the bane of Newcastle’s season, but the Europa League could turn out to be a blessing. Stuart Rayner on a potentially mood-changing week.

TOMORROW could have marked the end of a long slog for Newcastle United.

After the excitement of Europe – a new city to visit, a different stadium to tick off and unfamiliar opponents to face – it is back to reality.

Even on this shrinking planet, visiting somewhere new is exciting.

With its climate, its Soviet-era austerity and few English speakers, Kharkiv did feel, as Ian Rush once infamously said of Italy, “like a foreign country.”

Sadly, taking on Southampton for Premier League points in the comfort of their St James’ Park home will have none of the same thrills and spills.

With 50,000 Geordies cheering for them, as opposed to less than 500 on Thursday, and out of the biting cold which made already sub-zero temperatures feel much lower, there will not be the us-against-the-world feel which sharpens competitive instincts.

Sunday will not be do-or-die. Three points would be very handy against Southampton with the relegation zone only four points away, perhaps less still by kick-off.

However, against Metalist Newcastle had 90 minutes to save a European campaign they had worked so hard to achieve last term.

Defeat tomorrow would be hugely disappointing but there would be a second chance – 12 more in fact.

It is therefore easy to imagine bodies wearied by a 2,800-mile round trip going through the motions tomorrow.

They still might, but coming back with only their second away win of a difficult season should revitalise Newcastle more than any sleep caught on their lavish plane or back in their own beds.

Midfielder Vurnon Anita, used to juggling Europa League and domestic football with Ajax, said: “To come back home with a win will give us a boost for the game against Southampton.

“Everybody is in a good mood and you always recover a little bit quicker if you win.