EDDIE IS NOT HOPPIN' MAD

CRYSTAL PALACE V NEWCASTLE Premier League: Tomorrow, KO 2pm, Sky

- BY LEE RYDER

EDDIE HOWE has denied that there has been a fallout between himself and Newcastle chief David Hopkinson - despite ominous comments from the Toon supremo during the international break.

Manager Howe said yesterday that he has not sought or been given any assurances on his future, following the club's Champions League exit and home derby defeat by Sunderland.

And chief executive Hopkinson insisted he has no particular stance on Howe's future, but added: "What I can tell you is that the derby loss hurt.

"Eddie's our manager. I expect to have a great run to the end of the season and we'll talk about the future when it's time."

Newcastle are away at Crystal Palace tomorrow and Howe said: "For me, nothing has changed. I'm 100 per cent committed to the job. That commitment has never wavered from my side.