Newcastle manager Eddie Howe says the FA Cup remains magical, the competition that got him hooked on football.
The Magpies have won the famous trophy six times but have not lifted it since 1955. They kick off their campaign this season against League Two club Bromley on Sunday, and Howe says the competition still has its magic.
He said: “It's still the FA Cup and it hasn't changed at all in my mind.
“The FA Cup was the competition that attracted me to football itself when I was growing up. The knockout competition and the drama it presented were among the things that attracted me very early in the game.
“The name, the FA Cup, doesn't change. There's still a magic to it.”
Star striker Alexander Isak will not be risked against the lower league side after being substituted at Arsenal in midweek.
Eddie Howe on his return to St James' Park:
“The three away games we played were great days for us but they were tiring. It's good to be back home and now we have a bit of a lead there. In these games, it's never been easy either at home or away, but I think it's nice” . Not to travel… pic.twitter.com/PS98AXrDhl
– Newcastle United (@NUFC) January 10, 2025
The Swedish striker scored the opening goal in the 2-0 win, and has scored 10 goals in his last nine appearances for his club.
“We think he's very good,” Howe said. “He's seeing his physio at the moment. I've given him a couple of days off, but he's in a good place and he'll be back tomorrow (when) I'll have a closer look at him.”
“The injury doesn't look serious, not from initial assessments. But fingers crossed.
“We probably would have had him in this game somehow, but with what happened, he'll be given this game to rest up and get ready for the future schedule that we have.”
Howe wants Dubravka to stay
Goalkeeper Martin Dubravka has been linked with a move away from the club this month with his contract set to expire in the summer.
With Nick Pope injured, Dubravka has played every game since mid-December, and Howe is keen to keep him for longer.
“He's still here and he's a big part of what we're trying to do and he's playing really well,” he said.
“Martin was in a difficult situation, like any player approaching the end of his contract in the summer. There is always that feeling of doubt. He will naturally want to reach some sort of conclusion for his future, whether that is a new contract with us or whatever the outcome may be.
“I've been very happy with him and he's played more than his part in our recent games. Against Arsenal, I thought he was really good and I hope we can reach some sort of agreement with him.
