The Magpies moved up to fifth place in the Premier League with a comfortable 3-0 win over Leicester on Monday (07.04.25) and the manager has been pleased with how the team has responded to their historic success in the Carabao Cup last month as they pursue a return to Europe's top competition.

Howe said: "It was a great start to the game for us. It was a brilliant first goal, brilliant execution of how we want to play.

"We stuck to our task. We were professional and it was really good to get a clean sheet and three goals.

"That was a big question mark against us, how would we respond to the high (of their Carabao Cup win)? The players have responded magnificently. It’s a tick in the box for our psychology.

"Early season there were games where we were frustrated by our output, by the effort. It was uncharacteristic. That had never happened before in my time here. But now we’re in a good place.

"We look united. We have a purpose and we’re trying to get there. We’re where we need to be.

"Confidence is high at the moment, but there are areas we need to improve."

Newcastle now face three games in six days and Howe admits that it will be challenging with a "stretched" squad.

He said: "We’ve got three tough games and we’ve got to reset and upturn our performances again.

"The players are experienced. They’ve been through a lot in their careers. Three games in six days is going to be a big test for us.

"We’re going to need everybody. The squad is still stretched. We tried to manage the squad today with the game in a good position."