Howe on team fitness, Gordon's future and summer plans
Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has been speaking to the media before Sunday's Premier League game against West Ham at St James' Park (kick-off 17:30 BST). Here are the key lines from his news conference: Lewis Hall has trained all week and is available, but Joelinton is a doubt because of a "slight thigh problem". He will be assessed again before Sunday's game.
Howe confirmed Fabian Schar is unlikely to return this season and said "it is a real shame". On the defender being out of contract this summer, Howe added: "He's still got a lot to offer on the pitch. His quality is still there but he's had a difficult season.
I will have discussions with him and his representatives in the next week. " He described the final home game of the season as "massive" and "really important" because they need to "finish this season with a positive feeling". On putting a run together to finish on a high: "We're going in the right direction.
We have to build momentum and confidence in what we're doing. The players will take this game, and the next, into the summer with them. " He said they are "not blindly going from game to game with no thought of what's gone on" in recent months, but they have now got "an eye" on next season.
More on looking ahead: "At this stage of the season, you've always got an eye on the future. We're going into a transfer window with a lot of unknowns for us. There will be a feeling of change this summer, I'm sure.