DANNY Simpson has come a long way since his loan stint at Ipswich Town at the end of the 2007-08 season.

DANNY Simpson has come a long way since his loan stint at Ipswich Town at the end of the 2007-08 season.

The hard-working full-back has become one of the first names on Chris Hughton’s team-sheet at Newcastle United, and will be looking to chalk up his 40th appearance of the campaign against his old club this afternoon.

Simpson played eight games for Town as an inexperienced 21-year-old defender, having also played on loan at Sunderland under Roy Keane the previous campaign.

Now Simpson will be looking to put the gloss on Newcastle’s terrific season, by plotting the downfall of his former club and former manager.

“I went to Ipswich for a few months, when I was at Manchester United,” confirmed Simpson.

“Gary Neville and Wes Brown were fully fit and playing every week, so the move to Ipswich was a chance to get some matches before the end of the season.

“I went there for a few months and played eight or nine games under Jim Magilton,” confirmed Simpson.

A product of Manchester United’s youth system - he made just three appearances in the Premier League for Sir Alex Ferguson’s men - Simpson can hardly believe how well things have gone in his first season at St James’ Park.

The Magpies secured the Championship title in midweek, thanks to a 2-0 win at Plymouth, which in the process condemned the Devon club to relegation.

It also extended the Magpies’ amazing run to seven wins on the bounce. In fact, they are unbeaten in their last 15 matches, since a 3-0 defeat at Derby County on February 9.

Simpson loved every minute of it at Plymouth on Monday night.

“Not many times do you enjoy something like that, and now we are hoping for more of the same,” said Simpson.

“To win promotion in the time I’ve been here, and to play for these fans, is very special.”

Striker Andy Carroll headed home his 18th goal of the season against the Pilgrims, with winger Wayne Routledge adding the other.