Joe Cole insists Eddie Howe will be ‘absolutely delighted’ after Newcastle grind out a draw against AC Milan in their Champions League opener

• Newcastle secured a 0-0 draw with AC Milan on their Champions League return 
• Howe’s side secured a valuable point against the Italian giants at the San Siro
• Listen to the latest episode of Mail Sport’s podcast ‘It’s All Kicking Off’ 

Joe Cole has claimed Newcastle boss Eddie Howe will be ‘absolutely delighted’ by his side’s tenacious performance after securing a point against AC Milan at the San Siro.

Newcastle were making their return to the Champions League after a 20-year absence with a challenging trip to the Italian giants.

AC Milan mustered 25 shots on the Newcastle goal during the match, but last year’s semi-finalists were unable to make the breakthrough with the nine shots on target.

Howe’s side had just six attempts in response, with their only shot on target coming in second half stoppage time.

Cole, speaking on TNT Sports, insisted that Howe would be happy with the 0-0 draw earned by his side on their return to Europe’s elite competition.

Newcastle earned a point on their Champions League return after a draw with AC Milan

AC Milan had put the hosts under pressure for long spells but Newcastle earned a draw

Joe Cole claimed Eddie Howe would be ‘delighted’ by his side earning a point away from home

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‘He [Eddie Howe} will be absolutely delighted,’ Cole said.

‘There was great tenacity from the players and commitment to defend, throwing bodies at it. 

‘On the ball, they were way off their usual standards tonight but they have come to the San Siro and got a point. 

‘They have got that off their back and they are back in the Champions League, forget the performance, it took them to the 94th minute to hit the target. 

‘It is a much better result for Newcastle than AC Milan. In the group of death you have to win your home games. 

‘They will not find it easy going to St James Park. Newcastle will take a lot from that.’

Newcastle face a challenging group on their return to the Champions League, with French champions PSG and German side Borussia Dortmund among their opponents.

Former Newcastle midfielder Jermaine Jenas, who played for the club during their last spell in the competition, believes the draw will help to relax Howe’s squad.

Jermaine Jenas claimed the result could help settle Howe’s team in the Champions League

Jenas suggested the result could settle Newcastle down as they face Champions League regulars.

‘Newcastle nearly stole it there at the end,’ Jenas said. ‘When you are coming into these campaigns, who haven’t been in the Champions League for a period of time, something like this can be a real settler for you. 

‘They will go into the dressing room knowing they haven’t played anywhere near as well as they can play and still got a result at the San Siro. 

‘They will cause everyone in that group a problem at St James Park. They will be delighted.’

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