Eddie Howe drops Alexander Isak hint ahead of Newcastle United v Leicester City

Eddie Howe hopes to involve Newcastle United club-record signing Alexander Isak in Tuesday’s Carabao Cup quarter-final tie against Leicester City.

The 23-year-old made his comeback from a long-term thigh injury after starting the 2-1 FA Cup exit to Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday night.

Isak played the first half, and had two big chances to score, before being replaced by Chris Wood at half-time in what was a pre-planned change.

Howe is set to have Isak at his disposal for the visit of Leicester to St James’ Park tomorrow, whether that be from the start again or as a substitute.

‘He’s getting closer,” the Magpies head coach said. “Hopefully Saturday will do him good and he’ll be involved [versus Leicester].

“We want him fit and available as quickly as possible. I felt that 45 minutes was his maximum on Saturday.

“We wanted him warm and into the game, starting him was the best option.”

Isak joined Newcastle from Real Sociedad for £60million last summer but hasn’t played since September due to a thigh injury sustained on international duty with Sweden.

Howe has tipped Isak to be “like a new signing” for United following his return.

“A bit of a cliche but he would be like a new signing because we haven’t had him for a long period of time.

“I’ve had conversations with him to find out how he is feeling and to try and help him. Naturally, he’s been disappointed as he’s desperate to play and prove how good he is.

“It’s more a case of keeping him calm and trying to make sure he realises he’s got a long future ahead of him.”