Eddie Howe says ending Newcastle United's near-70-year trophy drought is the main goal of his tenure, ahead of Wednesday's EFL Cup quarter-final against Brentford.

Newcastle's wait for a major piece of silverware will stretch to seven decades at the turn of the year, with the Magpies failing to add to their trophy cabinet since winning the FA Cup in 1955.

Howe came close to halting that excruciating wait in his first full season at the helm in 2022-23, but Newcastle were beaten 2-0 by Manchester United in the EFL Cup final.

The Magpies are at least competing in the latter stages of the cups on a more consistent basis since their 2021 takeover by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, though.

They have reached the EFL Cup quarter-finals for a third consecutive season, the first time they have ever done so. 

They have only progressed from two of their 11 previous quarter-finals, however, doing so in 1975-76 and 2022-23 and going on to finish as runners-up on both occasions.

Howe is hopeful his current crop can finally get over the line this term, saying: "It's what we're here for. 

"I made it very clear when I came to Newcastle that it's what I wanted to achieve. I speak on behalf of the players and coaching staff in that respect. 

"When you get to this part of the competition it's important to recognise that that's our goal and what we're trying to do. These games take on huge importance when you get towards the latter stages."

While a number of revered Newcastle sides have been unable to bring a trophy to St James' Park, Howe thinks his team has the ability to do so, saying Saturday's 4-0 rout of Leicester City showcased their quality.

"I think the willingness has been there from previous teams, but we want to be the team that can get over the line and achieve something special," Howe continued.

"As you go through the competition, these rounds are very challenging and nothing will be taken for granted from our side. 

"We know if we can hit the correct level of performance like we did against Leicester, then I think we're a match for anyone in the division."