Howe on Miley's injury, back to winning ways, Gordon interest
Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has been speaking to the media before Sunday's Premier League game against Nottingham Forest at The City Ground (kick-off 14:00 BST). Here are the key lines from his news conference: Howe said Lewis Miley will miss the rest of the season after slipping in training. They realised early on that the leg break was "more serious than we thought".
On Miley's injury, he said that "it's a real shame" because the 20-year-old has been "outstanding" in recent weeks but it is hoped he will be back for pre-season. He added that Tino Livramento is likely to be out for the rest of the season. He could push for Fulham on the last day but that would be "silly" and also said he's "not 100% sure" whether Fabian Schar will return before their campaign is up.
Howe was asked about Nick Woltemade looking disappointed in the celebrations last weekend after not coming on, he responded: "The media will no doubt blow everything up but he's training well, he's committed and we really value him and want him to do well. I have the difficult job of picking a team every week, and no doubt, there's a lot of disappointed players when I do pick a team. All I ask is the players give their all and support their team-mates, which Nick has done and he'll get his opportunity to play.
" On how it felt to get the dressing room photo after the Brighton win, he said: "It's good to see that part of our identity back. It's been too long since the last one. It's what we work towards during the week, so it's nice to share that moment together.
We certainly want some more between now and the end of the season. " On still having the chance to make Europe this season, Howe said: "We've trained well and that's where I get my measurement from in terms of mentality, in terms of effort and our preparation. It's been strong.