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Aleksandar Mitrovic pays tribute to 'special' Newcastle squad as he admits the Championship was physically harder than the Premier League

Aleksandar Mitrovic has saluted the 'special' team who have dragged Newcastle back into the Premier League at the first attempt.

The Magpies secured their return with a 4-1 Sky Bet Championship victory over Preston on Monday evening, which means they will join Brighton in next season's top flight.

They became just the second relegated side in seven years to claim an automatic promotion berth at the first time of asking, and Serbia international Mitrovic has put that down to the bond formed within a dressing room since a traumatic conclusion to the last campaign.

Aleksandar Mitrovic bends a free-kick towards Preston's goal during Monday's 4-1 victory
Aleksandar Mitrovic bends a free-kick towards Preston's goal during Monday's 4-1 victory

He said: 'Trust me, this team is really special, this team is a real team.