Rafa Benitez's opposite number, former Scotland international Paul Lambert, man-marked Zinedine Zidane and set up the opening goal as Borussia Dortmund beat Juventus in the 1997 final.

So it's little surprise that the Wolves boss - a man who knows all about a big occasion - is looking forward to welcoming the Magpies to Molineux for Saturday's 5.30pm kick-off in front of the Sky Sports cameras.

"This is a great game for us," he told the official Wolverhampton Wanderers website. "We are playing against one of the favourites to go up and we are at home with a big crowd. The players have shown they can step up to the plate in big games and I expect them to do the same again.

"Newcastle are a big club with a big fanbase and a great tradition. They have invested heavily and have a good squad – they have brought Premier League players in, which shows the pull of the club.

"So how well they are doing this season doesn't surprise me because of the players that they have. They have kept some of the players from last season allied with those that have come in.

"But if you ask me do I fear anybody? No.

"And I don't think we should, because we're playing well. There are guys I know who can score, we've got a great work ethic and a great hunger to try and succeed.

"I think the crowd will be great, again, as they've always been, and it'll be a great game. We're at home and we'll make the running to try and win."