Newcastle United captain Jamaal Lascelles admits "there is no better feeling" than leading the Magpies at St James' Park
The United skipper featured in the behind closed-doors friendly victory over Middlesbrough on Tuesday at the club's Benton base.
United return to competitive action at St James' Park against Sheffield United on June 21 knowing a couple of positive results will secure their Premier League status for a fourth consecutive term.
There is also the small matter of an FA Cup quarter-final tie against Premier League champions Manchester City on the horizon for Steve Bruce's side.
United have not featured in competitive action at St James' Park since the goalless draw with Burnley on February 29, and Lascelles admits the squad are itching to return to the "special" venue.
The Magpies captain told Sky Sports: "[Playing at Newcastle] is one of the best feelings, especially if you win. There is no better feeling.
"The build-up from Monday to Friday in training, the preparation on Saturday, you turn up and the atmosphere is unreal.
"It's our jobs, it what we live for and what we have been doing for a long time. I've played a lot of games at St. James' Park, but it is still special every time.
"I've always said I like to step take things step by step. We want to beat Sheffield United, that is our next game at home.
"Ideally, [after that], we want to finish as high as possible."
The unexpected pause in the Premier League season due to the coronavirus pandemic may have caused months of uncertainty, but Lascelles insists the United squad remained focused and ready to return at any moment.
He added: "Everyone has stayed motivated because we know we could have been called back to training at any time.
"It was vital for us all to stay fit, and knowing we still have nine games to play, knowing we still have business to take care of, motivated us to do that."
