Newcastle United hero Nobby Solano has called on manager Alan Pardew to take the Capital One Cup seriously.

The Toon meet Crystal Palace tonight.

Solano wrote in the Evening Chronicle: "I don't buy into talk that the domestic cup competitions aren't as important as the Premier League.

"When I played for Newcastle United, every first team game was important.

"And I wanted to play in them all.

"When the club hasn't won anything for so long and isn't challenging for the title you have to be realistic.

"In years gone by I can see why Arsenal, Chelsea or Manchester United have played some of the young lads in the League Cup or even the FA Cup at times because they are in the Champions League.

"It gives people a run out and when you have a tight schedule with Champions League group games through the winter months you can rest a few bodies when needed.

"You can be flexible.

"That I understand, when a team is going for three or four different competitions.

"It's hard and difficult and you have to work the squad.

"But at Newcastle United I don't think that applies."