Eddie Howe reacts to Anthony Gordon's scrap with…

Eddie Howe reacts to Anthony Gordon's scrap with Newcastle players and 'emotional' talks held

Eddie Howe has no doubt that Newcastle United players and supporters will grow to love Anthony Gordon's 'spirit' after the new signing previously clashed with Kieran Trippier.

The pair, literally, went head to head when Newcastle played Everton at St James' Park back in October. Trippier let Gordon know exactly what he thought of his attempts to win a penalty that night, which infuriated the youngster, who squared up to future team-mate. Fabian Schar quickly rushed over to repeatedly shove Gordon and, within seconds, there were 17 players from both sides sizing each other up.

A number of Newcastle players have since referenced the incident on social media after Gordon completed his £40m move from Everton at the weekend. Schar joked: 'Now you are in safe hands' while Callum Wilson quipped: 'If you can't beat them, join them.' So what did Howe make of the flashpoint?

"It's interesting looking back at that footage," the Newcastle boss told reporters. "You don't think anything of it at the time. He's an opposing player and, of course, you're battling people for points so it's a totally different thing when a player is on the opposing team and now he is one of us.

"The players will embrace that spirit that he has, that passion that he has. I like the fact that he didn't stand down that day. He was aggressive in standing his position. The supporters will love that about him. Our own players will love that about him. He brings something different to us.

"I'm sure it will take time for him to feel part of the group. Naturally, that always happens, but the players will grow to love him."

Gordon was introduced to his new team-mates on Saturday and the new arrival trained for the first time yesterday, leaving Howe 'really excited' by what he saw. Gordon now looks set to be joined by another young addition, Harrison Ashby, who is close to joining the club from West Ham.

It remains to be seen if Newcastle do any further business in light of Jonjo Shelvey's imminent departure to Nottingham Forest. Although Newcastle look a little thin on the ground in the middle of the park, with Bruno Guimaraes, Sean Longstaff, Joe Willock, Joelinton and Elliot Anderson competing for three starting spots in midfield, Howe has stressed the importance of bringing the 'right player' in, which is easier said than done in the final throes of the window.

Newcastle are exploring options in the loan market, including Sheffield United midfielder Sander Berge, but there are no guarantees the Magpies will sign a replacement before Tuesday's 11pm deadline. Finding someone to fill Shelvey's boots is certainly no easy task after seven years' service.

Shelvey may not have started a league game in an injury-ravaged campaign this season, but Howe reiterated on Monday that the playmaker has been a 'huge' figure for him on and off the field since taking charge. Indeed, it was Shelvey who popped up with a priceless winner at Leeds a year ago, which proved a turning point in Newcastle's season.

Howe did not want to lose Shelvey, but the Newcastle boss respected the player's wishes after he entered the final months of his current deal. However, this was still a decision laced with emotion and Howe admitted he will be 'very sad' to see Shelvey go if the move goes through as expected.

"Definitely," he added. "I'm an emotional guy behind the scenes and Jonjo is a very passionate guy.

"Jonjo loves football and loves this club so there was emotion. He's not gone yet and, from my perspective, I would love him to stay. We do not know how things will pan out in the next few hours, but the mutual respect between us is very strong."

Eddie Howe reacts to Anthony Gordon's scrap with Newcastle players and 'emotional' talks held

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