Image source, Getty Images

What a night eh.

A bouncing St James' Park, two Sean Longstaff goals for Newcastle and a superb strike from Southampton's Che Adams.

Oh and a late red card for influential Magpies midfielder Bruno Guimaraes.

Anyway it's full steam ahead to Wembley as far as Newcastle and Eddie Howe are concerned.

We'll be back on Wednesday evening from 18:45 with all the build-up and a live text commentary of Manchester United v Nottingham Forest in the second leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final.

You'll also be able to listen to that game live on BBC Radio 5 Live.

See you then.

Newcastle will now play either Manchester United or Nottingham Forest in the EFL Cup final at Wembley.

Erik ten Hag's side hold a 3-0 lead over Forest prior to their second leg on Wednesday at Old Trafford.

It will be the Magpies' first final since they lost 2-0 to United in the FA Cup showpiece in 1999 and their second appearance in the League Cup final, having lost to Manchester City in 1976. They will be bidding to win their first trophy since the 1955 FA Cup.

You can read all about how they booked their place at Wembley in our match report.

Image source, Getty Images

Image source, Getty Images

Image source, Getty Images

Image source, Getty Images

Newcastle United

More from Newcastle manager Eddie Howe on BBC Radio 5 Live: "I was really pleased with how we dug in. The free-kick after [the sending off] was key. With James Ward-Prowse taking it you fear the worst but thankfully we defended it well and were able to kill the game.

"I thought the sending off was harsh because in slow motion it probably looks bad but if you take into account the speed of the attack, Bruno [Guimaraes] is going for the ball and he mistimed it. There was no intent at all."

On Alexander Isak being withdrawn with a head injury: "We didn't know what was going on but we made a sub as soon as we knew Alex wasn't feeling great."

Newcastle United

Newcastle manager Eddie Howe on BBC Radio 5 Live: "It feels really good tonight. I am delighted for everyone connected with the club. It really was a tense night. It was a great atmosphere and brilliant environment for the players to play in.

"For the first 20 minutes we were excellent and really good in every aspect and then they scored and the game became difficult and it was probably a nervy second half.

"Really pleased for [Sean Longstaff] him it's fitting it was a local lad and someone who loves the club. I can see that every day behind the scenes and how committed he is to the club and his craft. Two great goals, he has deserved that for his performances this season he has been magnificent for us. The work rate he gives the team and the unseen things I appreciate, I am glad he'll get credit from the media tonight."

Southampton

Southampton manager Nathan Jones on Sky Sports: "I'm disappointed with the first 20 minutes. We were far too passive. The goals were bad, we let runners drift into the box.

"We flagged up those runners into the box from the first leg but we didn't learn.

"Then the reaction was fantastic, we got back into it and pushed them in the second half but we just weren't clinical.

"When we changed and tweaked the system they responded but certain things have to be better.

"Beating relegation is the key one. We've got big games coming up against tough opposition and we need to come through those games positively."

On potential new signings: "Hopefully, we can get some signings done tonight so we can have a chance. Nothing is confirmed yet but we'll have to see."

On Che Adams getting a goal: "He's had bigger chances but we've told him to be instinctive and he's done that tonight."

On Kyle Walker-Peters' injury: "He just had a tight hamstring so it was just a precaution and we didn't want to take a risk with him."

Newcastle United

Newcastle manager Eddie Howe on Sky Sports: "Team spirit and togetherness carry you a long way. It's my job to protect it and try and increase it. We have great people in this club.

"Connecting with the culture and trying to have a small tight-knit group is key.

"Ultimately it's a collection and the mindsets of everyone.

"There are certain individuals that encapsulate that spirit and Jacob Murphy is one of them. He's selfless and I told him that at the end of the game.

On whether he will celebrate the win: "At the moment this doesn't mean anything to me. It's about the club it's not about me. I'm proud to get to the final but my thought is always for the club.

"The challenge comes in the next few days with preparing for West Ham. We need to get back to work and not let this impact our league form.

"You're always on to the next challenge.

"I've enjoyed tonight in a weird way but when you sit back and relax you come undone. You're always on edge looking to win the next game."

Southampton

Southampton striker Che Adams on Sky Sports: "It's not nice to lose like we did but we let the game slip early with two cheap goals. We had a go in the second half but that's something we have to do from minute one.

"We dust ourselves down now for the weekend.

"It's always difficult to come to St James' but we had to settle the crowd and we didn't do that.

"When we changed to a back four we were more fluid but it was too late.

"I've been a victim of not creating chances often enough but today I only had shooting on my mind. It gave us belief but it wasn't to be today.

"There were big moments but at least were creating chances. Not many come here and do that so we need to focus on the positives.

"All our focus now is on the Premier League and getting away from relegation. Everyone is on board and raring to go.

"We've always had enough but we haven't done it consistently."

That photo I mentioned before. Got to be honest I'm not usually big on dressing room snaps but reaching a first major final in 24 years probably merits one.

Newcastle United

Newcastle manager Eddie Howe on Sky Sports: "It was an intense game. At 2-0, we were playing really well and their goals changed the dynamic.

"Part of our problem was the psychological aspect. Southampton had nothing to lose and we were feeling the pressure.

"You want to be in finals of competitions to increase your status and make yourself more desirable for people to join. This is a club on the up."

On goalscorer Sean Longstaff: "He is pivotal. He's Newcastle through and through. I think he's an excellent payer and adding goals will only improve other people's awareness of that. He's been great this season.

"I've always believed he's an excellent finisher and converting that to a game is difficult. I always believe if you get in the right areas it will come together and he did that today."

On whether he'd pick winning the EFL Cup or a top four finish: "I can't choose between them. We are going for everything. As much as we can achieve, we will go for."

On Burno Guimaraes' sending off: "It's a huge blow and it will take time to sink in for me. He's a big player but it offers an opportunity for another player."

Newcastle United

Newcastle midfielder and goalscorer Sean Longstaff speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live: "It is amazing. I don't think I can put it into words yet [going to Wembley].

"It is an amazing night and one I am so happy to have been part of. Since the manager came in it's been a lot of hard work and the change we have made in a year has been quite incredible.

"To be part of this with the fans and atmosphere made it quite an emotional night especially at the start.

"The place was bouncing and the energy they gave off was unbelievable..to do it for them..they stuck with us through thick and thin and when times were not great and it was pretty bleak. I am so happy for them.

"I probably should have [had a hat-trick]. We started the game really well and moved them from side to side and found pockets of space. Tripps told me yesterday about shooting and as soon as I scored he grabbed me and said 'I told you'. So he thinks it is down to him. I was lucky the ball fell to me for the second. It's a trip to Wembley so a night I'll never forget.

"Family friends, everyone is over the moon. I just can't wait to get to Wembley now."

Kevin Nolan
Former Newcastle midfielder on BBC Radio 5 Live

Once you get a first trophy you can say we are winners and it starts breeding that confidence that this will be the first of many in the coming years.

I think if you offered every Newcastle fan a win at Wembley [over a top four place] they would snap your hand off because they know they would be in Europe and they can start building for next year.

Newcastle United

Newcastle full-back Kieran Trippier speaking to Sky Sports: "When I got injured it was difficult but I felt like it was important to travel with the lads to away games and be there for them. I wanted to help the team in a difficult moment on and off the pitch.

"I feel that pre-season was massive and the manager stamped his authority on the way he wanted to play. We have worked hard on the training pitch and long may it continue."

Newcastle United

Newcastle defender Dan Burn on Sky Sports: "It's hard to sum it up. I've never played in an atmosphere like that. I was getting emotional and had to hold myself together.

"We had to hold our nerve after letting them back in. It was disappointing to concede, he struck it well to be fair. They were always going to come at us second half but we stuck it out."

On the importance of Nick Pope: "He is massive. A lot of the stuff he does you don't even notice. He makes big saves too."

Newcastle's momentous night is going to feature heavily on the back pages of Wednesday's newspapers.

Image source, Mail

Image source, Guardian

Some great scenes in the Newcastle dressing room as Sean Longstaff is encouraged to get up and dance for the television cameras.

Jonjo Shelvey is in on the team photo. A really nice moment.

Newcastle United

Newcastle goalscorer Sean Longstaff on Sky Sports: "It's a really special night not just for me but for everyone in Newcastle. It has been so long since a night like this. It's unbelievable.

"All the energy left my body after I celebrated.

"Luckily I've scored a few tonight. it's not about me it's about the team and the manager has put a great one together.

"It's amazing what can happen in a year. If you said 12 months ago that something like this could happen then people would laugh at you.

"It's special and really emotional.

"We don't want to stop we want to keep going and this is just the start."

Kevin Nolan
Former Newcastle midfielder on BBC Radio 5 Live

I think Newcastle will relish being called underdogs. With the season they are having they will take that and go about their business as they have done all season long.

I think they will be really focused and they will all want to be fit for the final.

Pat Nevin
Former Scotland winger on BBC Radio 5 Live

I think Newcastle are underdogs if Manchester United get to the final.

Although you could make an argument against the form United have put together is spectacular and you look at the strength in their squad.

I think there are a number of players from tonight that need to up their game if Newcastle are to go on and win this. Miguel Almiron has to do a bit better, he had a quiet game and if you are going to win cup finals you need special players to do special things.

You need every one of those talented players to be at their best. Saint-Maximin looks a shadow of the brilliant player he was before. If you get all that happening you have a chance.

I'm told Bruno Guimaraes' red card tonight will see him serve a three-match ban.

So that'll mean he misses Saturday's home game against West Ham, a trip to Bournemouth and the visit of Liverpool on 18 February.