Steve Bruce has urged Newcastle United to keep their hopes of glory alive in the League Cup until at least Christmas.
The Magpies - who have usually tumbled out of the competition at this time of year after a poor record overall in the Mike Ashley era - are now a potential 90 minutes away from the quarter-finals.
With a host of top-flight teams set to bow out at this stage, it could tee up another good draw for Bruce's side in the last week of December when a semi-final crack at a Wembley appearance could be up for grabs.
Bruce named a strong side at Morecambe last week with Jamaal Lascelles captaining the team and the likes of Andy Carroll, Ryan Fraser, Isaac Hayden and DeAndre Yedlin all involved.
When asked if he will continue to take it seriously, Bruce told Chronicle Live: "It'll be the same again.
"Look we've got a chance to park this competition and get to a quarter-final when December comes around.
"How great an incentive is that?"
For now, Newcastle must keep their eye on the ball in the round of 16 but due to the shortened format of this year's competition due to the pandemic, the semi-final this year is just one leg with the team drawn out of the hat first enjoying home advantage.
Bruce is taking each step as it comes but said: "I know what it means to the supporters and we have had a favourable draw so let's try.
"We can get to a quarter-final again, how good would that be?"
