Howe warns Magpies must maintain focus ahead of Wolves’ visit

United face Vítor Pereira’s men in midweek looking for a ninth straight win in all competitions – a run that has lifted them to fifth in the Premier League, the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup and the fourth round of the Emirates FA Cup.

In the latter, Newcastle fended off Bromley at St. James’ Park on Sunday in a match where Howe chose to make nine changes to his line-up.

But Howe insists his charges must continue to approach every game in the same way they have in their fine recent run – and says the visit of Wolves makes it a “dangerous game” for the Magpies.

He spoke ahead of the game in his pregame media briefing in Benton on Tuesday morning. Here are some of the main talking points:

About the atmosphere in the camp…

“There’s a good energy, a good feeling. We know it’s an important week for us coming up to two big Premier League games, back home, so it’s great to be back at home. We’ll see until then.”

On the need to maintain focus…

“For me, I know it’s boring, but it’s game by game and it’s trying to keep our focus on what we can influence, which is our next training session, our next game. It’s to make sure , that we don’t get ahead of ourselves either way – when we had a disappointing run, it was about making sure we didn’t throw everything away and get discouraged, and that’s exactly the same when you win.

“It’s making sure you’re consistent with what you’re doing, the messages are clear and we focus and don’t take that stance for granted. The Premier League is an unforgiving league and we can’t take our eye off the ball.”

As for the fitness of the players he ruled out of the win over Bromley…

“We’ll look at them again today. They were all left out for genuine reasons, so all different things, but nothing major – minor issues that we’d have to sort out. Fingers crossed they’ll be there or thereabouts.”

On Harvey Barnes being withdrawn at half time on Sunday…

“Harvey will be out for a period of time. We don’t think it’s a serious injury but it’s enough to keep him out for a couple of weeks. He’s had a scan, it’s not too bad but it will be enough to to hold him off.He will definitely miss the upcoming matches.

“It’s a thigh injury, a muscle in the thigh. He did it by crossing the ball right towards the end of the first half.”

After being drawn away to League One leaders Birmingham City in the Emirates FA Cup…

“We always say we would have preferred to be at home. But I think it’s an interesting draw. Birmingham are in fantastic form and Chris Davies has done a brilliant job there. They have big ambitions as a football club so I think it will be a tough test for us when that game comes.

“It’s a tough ground to go to but we’re looking forward to the FA Cup and we’re keen to do well in the competition.”

On Wolves boss Pereira…

“Obviously I think he’s connected with the players very quickly – you can see that. I think they’re playing with a confidence that belies their form when he took the job. They look a very settled team, they has got a really good way of playing, a very brave way of playing, a very clear identity has been formed when he’s come in and he’s stuck with it and it seems to be benefiting them.

“I think there’s a lot of positives in how he’s approached the role. Wolves will be very dangerous opponents, they’ve got some very good players, especially in the front line. They’ve got some dangerous forwards that we’re going to have. to control.”

On the test that awaits his side on Wednesday night…

“It’s a dangerous game for us, because Wolves are a good team, as I say, so we don’t underestimate anyone in the Premier League. We know how difficult the league is. You have to be focused and mentally right to win any games I think they are all challenges that we face.

“But we believe in ourselves, we are at home and we love playing at home, so there is also a lot going for us.”