'When it's game time, we've got to do our job'

EDDIE Howe had given Newcastle United players the heads-up. The Magpies boss was not going to be his usual rampaging self on the training pitches after being hospitalised with pneumonia less than two weeks previously.

- By CIARAN KELLY

However, it said it all that within 30 seconds of training starting, Howe had stopped his first session back to make a point. It was like he had never been away.

Howe's swift return to Benton came as a surprise to Dan Burn, but not a complete shock.

"Pneumonia is tough to recover from and it will be a while before he is 100%," the England international told The Journal.

"But I know the gaffer just wants to be out there around us and driving it as much as he can."

In truth, Howe had been preparing for the visit of Ipswich Town even before he formally got back to work.

The 47-year-old had already been readying himself for a return to the dugout by watching clips of the Tractor Boys on his laptop.

Howe was understandably more reserved on the touchline on Saturday - assistant Jason Tindall was the one barking orders but the Newcastle head coach's presence was nonetheless felt during this 3-0 win as the black-and-whites moved up to third.

Jacob Murphy was among those to point out how it was a 'real confidence boost' to have him back. For Howe, who was serenaded throughout, it was another important step.

"It's been a very emotional few weeks for me," he explained to reporters. "I've gone through highs and lows, and you look at things differently and appreciate everything a lot more.