Howe hails Jose as one of the very best

NEWCASTLE boss Eddie Howe will go head-to-head with a manager he believes should be considered one of the game's greats as he prepares to lock horns with Jose Mourinho.

- DAMIAN SPELLMAN

The Portuguese takes his Benfica side to St James' Park, where his mentor Sir Bobby Robson remains such a favourite, in the Champions League this evening, ready to resume hostilities with Howe.

Mourinho's 26-trophy haul as a boss includes three Premier League titles, four League Cups, an FA Cup and the Europa League during his spells with Chelsea and Manchester United, and Howe has no doubts over the former Inter Milan and Real Madrid supremo's standing.