Howe on positivity, Guimaraes and Bournemouth

Howe said positivity is needed with a win: "We need that feeling back, it has been too long. We're desperate to win and play well. Disappointing result against Crystal Palace so things were a bit negative but we are trying to propel ourselves towards a good result."

The Newcastle boss said on captain Bruno Guimaraes: "There is a chance he could be involved. We have seen him in training. The medical team are cautious because the player wants desperately to play. I've loved that about Bruno, he is desperate to help the team. I will make a decision based on what I see in training today and there is a possibility."

On Yoane Wissa's struggles: "He has had a very difficult season and the most difficult part was that he got fit again and then we haven't been able to train him in the way that we wanted to." Howe added that "a pre-season would definitely help him" and "the best is yet to come".

On potentially finishing in a European place: "It's still possible. Strange year in terms of the Premier League table. We need those runs of wins which we haven't done for the first season since I have been here."

Howe said his fire is "burning very, very strongly" but there is "no guarantee" from his side about what will happen in the future because forces in "football clubs move quickly".

In relation to Anthony Gordon transfer links, Howe said: "I'm not going to play any player if I don't feel they are 100% committed to the club and their future. That is generally across the board. I always do what I think is best for the team."

On Bournemouth: "In the league we haven't beaten them [in his time at Newcastle]. They are a very good team, they have been on a good run recently in the Premier League and they have their clear strengths. We know what we need to do to win the game and certain parts of our game are going to have to function very well. Every game in the Premier League is difficult."

He stressed that "home form has always been the bedrock of our success" and "it is our number one priority". Howe added: "We need to make this a fortress again."

On what he wants to see from his side: "A team that is prepared to run, attack, playing with a high motivation level, freedom. I want to be entertained watching the team play, I don't want to look at the team and think I don't recognise them and there have been moments this season where I have felt that. I've been disappointed not in terms of the effort but in terms of what we have delivered. A big emphasis on entertainment and attacking. We have lost grip of it slightly and the proof is in terms of what you see."