Nick Woltemade had his best "physical performance" against Benfica and Howe added: "His pressing from the front, his durability and his robustness was excellent, but the challenge for him is being able to put in that kind of performance every three or four days now - and that isn't easy."

The Liverpool head coach had claimed Alexander Isak had joined the Premier League champions from a "smaller club" - something which hasn't sat well with the Toon boss

"I think that's a very good sign for him," Howe added when asked about his team-mates celebrating with Pope against Benfica. "He's got the full respect of the dressing room. He's consistent. He's a consistent person. He's the same every day. Very positive. But he's got this desire to learn still.

GRAHAM POTTER wants to make one of Eddie Howe’s most-trusted lieutenants his No2 at Sweden. And it could be good news for misfiring Alexander Isak. Newcastle assistant Graeme Jones has emerged as

❌ 🇮🇹 Sandro Tonali was absent from Newcastle’s group training this morning — as Eddie Howe’s side prepare for the visit of Benfica in the Champions League tomorrow. 🔁 The midfielder was subbed on 70mins at Brighton on Saturday. 🙋🏻‍♂️ One to ask Howe at his 4.30pm press… pic.twitter.com/cz2qHSlIFq

Eddie Howe had hinted at his pre-match press conference that the Italian may not feature against Benfica after revealing he had been suffering with illness. Tonali missed training with his teammates on Monday and, despite being named on the bench by Howe for the visit of Benfica, remained an unused substitute.

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe does not want to respond to his Liverpool counterpart Arne Slot after his "smaller club" jibe amid the ongoing Alexander Isak saga.

Nick Woltemade had his best "physical performance" against Benfica and Howe added: "His pressing from the front, his durability and his robustness was excellent, but the challenge for him is being able to put in that kind of performance every three or four days now - and that isn't easy."