Eddie Howe’s verdict on Newcastle United’s Carabao Cup prospects after Bournemouth win

Newcastle United returned from the mid-season break with yet another win victory at St James’ Park - but this time had to do so thanks to a solitary Adam Smith own goal.

Eddie Howe named as strong a side as he possibly could on Tyneside, bringing back all five Magpies selected for World Cup duty in Qatar.

And despite bringing all of the big guns back, it was an opposition player who scored the only goal of the game as Smith turned in a trademark Kieran Trippier centre from the right.

Into the last eight for the first time since 2019, Howe had this to say about progression...

Howe said: “I didn’t think we were at our fluent best today but I don’t think we were ever going to be because of the build-up to the game. I thought Bournemouth made it difficult for us and good defensively as they were here in the league game.

“We had to be patient and we had to work and keep doing the right things, which I thought we did without being at our very best tonight.

“I think the game will do us the world of good for what’s ahead.”

“We’ve always viewed every competition as a chance. I told the players in pre-season that we wanted to take the cup seriously and do well in them. When you try and get that message across to the players, they listen. They’re very receptive.

“The games we’ve had have been difficult in this competition but the players have responded. They’re desperate to do well in this competition.”

Asked if he and the players are beginning to believe they can win the Carabao Cup, Howe said: “I don’t think we’re looking too far ahead. Small steps for us.

“Yes, we’re into the next round but now the Premier League takes priority and we look forward to the Leicester game. We’ll look at the next round when it comes around in our calendar.”