Goodison Park clash can be like 'home game' for…

Goodison Park clash can be like 'home game' for Newcastle United despite Gordon return

Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe believes that the 3,000 strong Toon Army heading to Merseyside have the power to make it feel like a "home game" at Goodison Park.

The United fanbase have taken over a host of Premier League grounds and London for the weekend during the Carabao Cup final. And now they head to the blue end of Stanley Park knowing their side could put a nine-point gap between themselves and Tottenham Hotspur.

In a game in which Everton fans will have a hot reception lined up for Anthony Gordon - who left in January for £45million - Howe must consider whether to field the youngster at his old stamping ground. When asked if Everton fans risk draining their energy on one player rather than supporting their own relegation haunted team, Howe said he is more concerned with his own fans.

Howe said: "It is a difficult one for me to answer. They will do what they need to do, I am not going to try to dictate how they will interact with their own team.

"All I can say is that we need to interact with our supporters in the best way possible. We have brilliant away support again, and we need to get them into the game and we need to make them proud of the team. So that can be our only focus."

Newcastle have a 100% record of selling their away allocations on the road this season with the club inundated for Wembley tickets. That was a far cry to the empty spaces at Wembley for the FA Cup semi-final between Man City and Sheff United when the stadium was more than 11,000 under capacity - something that wouldn't happen if Newcastle were involved.

The Newcastle head coach said: "I think this season they have almost made it like home games for us. I can think of several away games where they have been absolutely incredible and they've been a major force.

"The noise force in the game. We appreciate them wherever they go, it's the first thing I look for when I come out to the stand, our supporters. It's a great sight wherever they are."

When asked about Gordon's departure from Everton, which caused a stir in January, Howe said whatever reaction the forward gets he will be able to deal with.

Howe said: "What happened at Everton I can't really comment on. He's fine and looking forward to the game.

"I think the beauty of it is he has seen the Everton crowd many times. I am sure he won't be surprised. He's seen other players go back and see other players get a mixed reception."

Goodison Park clash can be like 'home game' for Newcastle United despite Gordon return

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