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Bournemouth Cup clash just as important as Premier League game, says Howe
As his side bid to book their place in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals, Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe says Tuesday night's clash with Bournemouth is just as important as a Premier League game.
The Magpies face Howe's former club at St. James' Park in what will be their first competitive outing since the 1-0 Premier League victory over Chelsea in early November.
Ahead of his side's return to action in the fourth round tie on Tyneside, the United head coach spoke to the media on Monday morning.
Here are some of the key points from Howe's pre-match media briefing at Newcastle's Benton training centre:
On the availability of the Magpies stars who have now returned from the World Cup...
"We'll wait and see. I spoke with all the international lads when they came back, obviously, and Kieran (Trippier) and Nick (Pope) were very keen to play in the game (against Rayo Vallecano on Saturday).
"I think those conversations are important, because those boys have had not just the physical load from being at the World Cup, but the mental side of it can't be underestimated. I'll continue those conversations with the other lads, and we'll see where we are."
On winger Allan Saint-Maximin's fitness, after he appeared to take a knock during Saturday's friendly win over Rayo Vallecano...
"I think there's a slight injury - we'll see today how he comes in. Obviously after a game things can be sore, but they can settle quickly, so hopefully that's the case."
On the importance of the Carabao Cup to his side, and the upcoming resumption of the Premier League...
"I think in terms of the Premier League schedule, it's a good thing to have this game. But we've looked at trying to get ourselves in the best possible physical condition for this game, (and) not use this game as a step for the Premier League.
"We've tried to give this game the same importance as a Premier League game, and for us it is, because it's a chance to progress in a very important competition for us. That's how we've approached the game."
On the challenge posed by his old club Bournemouth, and the previous meeting between the sides - a 1-1 draw at St. James' in September - this season...
"I remember being frustrated and disappointed, ultimately, and I don't think we were quite ourselves in that game. I thought we were probably a little bit subdued by our high standards in terms of our performance to that point, not necessarily the results - the results have come after that game.
"I think it's very important not to underestimate Bournemouth and the quality of their team - I think sometimes that's a dangerous thing to do. I think they've shown especially with the last couple of results they've got before the break that they're a very competitive team, and certainly we don't underestimate them going into this game."
On the prospect of getting back into competitive fixtures in front of the United faithful...
"I think the wait for this game has been quite long from our perspective so we're very keen to get back to it, get back to the action and get back to competitive games. Friendlies are good for what they are but they're very different games.
"I know the players are the same - speaking to the international lads that have come back, they're very keen to get the season restarted again, which is a great thing for me to hear, and for everyone connected with Newcastle to hear too."