Dan Burn once pushed trolleys at Asda following Newcastle release… but the Magpies star is now set to play a key role in their Champions League campaign

Dan Burn recalled the time he once pushed trolleys at Asda following his release from Newcastle.

The Englishman returned to St James’ Park last season and is now set to play a key role in the Magpies’ Champions League campaign this year.

At the age of 11, Burn was released by Newcastle. Desperate to keep his dream of becoming a professional alive, the defender played for the likes of Blyth Spartans, Blyth Town and New Hartley in an attempt to get noticed.

While studying at sixth form at the age of 16, the 31-year-old revealed he worked at Asda in an attempt to get a bit of an income.

Speaking to Sussex World back in 2019, the 31-year-old recalled his early days as a youngster trying to climb up the ranks. 

The 31-year-old said that his route to the Premier League was a lot different compared to most players 

‘Normally the lads who are getting picked up to play in the youth teams are getting picked up around 15, 16. I didn’t end up signing for anyone,’ he said.

‘I went to sixth form and went and did a little bit of work. I was working at Asda pushing trolleys.’

Burn revealed that his route to the top was a lot different compared to most footballers, but it allowed him to become even ‘more determined.’ 

‘If you had said then that I would be in the Premier League, I would have laughed at you.

‘It was a little bit more of a different route for me but it helped me become even more determined and focused.

‘When I went to Fulham, a lot of the stuff the lads were given, I wasn’t given at Darlington. I was washing my own kit and bringing in my own packed lunches. So I do think it’s helped me.’

After making his senior debut for Darlington back in 2009, Burn would sign for Fulham just two years later – making over 60 appearances for the Cottagers.

The defender would then play for the likes of Birmingham City and Wigan Athletic before he was signed by Brighton and Hove Albion back in 2018 – where he would truly make a name for himself.

Dan Burn is set to play a key role in the Magpies’ Champions League campaign this season

Newcastle officially secured Champions League football after drawing 0-0 with Leicester back in May

Burn would go on to spend four years at Brighton before he returned to his boyhood Newcastle last season.

Now, the 31-year-old is set to play Champions League football after the Magpies qualified for the competition following their 0-0 draw with Leicester City back in May.

Eddie Howe’s side were drawn in the same group as AC Milan, Paris Saint-Germain and Borussia Dortmund.

Burn has had to do it the hard way, but the experienced centre half is now set to be playing in the Champions League for the first time at the age of 31.