'I've got' - Newcastle United fitness claim after midfielder ruled out for four months

Newcastle United were handed a major triple injury boost for their Premier League match at Burnley on Saturday.

The Magpies cruised to a 4-1 win at Turf Moor following goals from Callum Wilson, Sean Longstaff, Bruno Guimaraes and Alexander Isak, while Dara O’Shea grabbed a late consolation for the hosts.

And at 4-0, Howe was able to turn his bench and introduce both Joelinton and Miguel Almiron. It was Joelinton’s first appearance in four months after recovering from thigh surgery and Almiron returned after four weeks out.

Also among the substitutes was Nick Pope, who has been sidelined since December.

The trio are set to play a part in Newcastle’s final three matches against Brighton and Hove Albion, Manchester United and Brentford but Howe says he will manage their minutes accordingly.

“It's massive for us and that's something that has really hurt us during the season,” he told NewcastleWorld. “To have that quality ready, chomping at the bit to play.

“I've got to look after those two players as well, I've got to make the right decisions and introduce them at the right times to get their load right.

“The quality they have is undoubted and the impact on the team is undoubted. I think the feeling in pre-game was in part because they were there and the group got a lot stronger.”

Was it the plan to get them on the pitch against the Clarets?

Howe replied: “It always depends on the games but my plan was to maybe give them 15, 20 minutes today for the two outfield players. It was the right step up for them and we'll see how they train this week.”

The win at Turf Moor saw Newcastle move up to sixth in the Premier League table, and they will remain there if Manchester United fail to beat Crystal Palace on Monday. Howe’s men are competing for European qualification.

“We’ve got three games to go and we want to try and give our best in each game,” Howe added. “We want to try and play with the energy and intensity we had today. I thought we looked really good physically with a lot of pace in our team.

“We’ve got those key qualities to give any team a difficult afternoon. Our away form has been inconsistent, it’s really good to see us win on the road in such an impressive way.”