Howe warns Magpies must retain focus ahead of Wolves visit | OneFootball

United face Vítor Pereira's men in midweek looking for a ninth straight win in all competitions - a run which 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 saw off Bromley at St. James' Park on Sunday in a game in which Howe elected to make nine changes to his line-up.

But Howe insists his charges must continue to approach each game in the same manner they have done on their fine recent run - and says the visit of Wolves has the makings of a "dangerous game" for the Magpies.

He was speaking ahead of the game in his pre-match media briefing in Benton on Tuesday morning. Here are some of the key talking points:

On the mood in the camp...

"There's a good energy, a good feel. We know this is an important week for us, coming up to two big Premier League games, at home again, so it's great to be back at home. We're looking forward to it."

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 affect, which is our next training session, our next game. It's making sure that we're not getting ahead of ourselves in both ways - when we were having a disappointing run, it was about making sure we didn't throw everything out and become despondent, and it's exactly the same when you're winning.

"It's making sure you're consistent with what you do, the messages are clear, and we focus and don't take this position for granted. The Premier League is an unforgiving league and we can't take our eye off the ball."

On the fitness of the players he left out of the win over Bromley...

"We'll have a look at them again today. They were all left out for genuine reasons, so all different things, but nothing major - minor problems that we needed to settle down. Fingers crossed they'll be there or thereabouts."

On Harvey Barnes, who was withdrawn at half time on Sunday...

"Harvey will be missing for a period of time. We don't think it's a serious injury, but it's enough to keep him out for a few weeks. He's had a scan, it's not too bad, but it will be enough to keep him out. He will definitely miss the upcoming games.

"It's an injury to his thigh, a muscle in his thigh. He did it crossing the ball just towards the end of the first half."

On being drawn away to League One leaders Birmingham City in the Emirates FA Cup...

"We always say we'd have preferred to be at home. But I think it's an interesting draw. Birmingham are in great form, and Chris Davies has done a brilliant job there. They've got big ambitions as a football club so I think when that game comes round it'll be a tough test for us.

"It's a tough ground to go to, but we look forward to the FA Cup, and we're keen to do well in the competition."

On Wolves boss Pereira...

"I think he's obviously connected with the players very quickly - you can see that. I think they're playing with a confidence that belies their form coming in to when he took the job. They look a very settled team, they've got a really good way of playing, a very brave way of playing, a very clear identity. Their system has been formed when he came in and he's stuck with that and it looks like it's benefitting them.

"I think a lot of positives for how he's attacked 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 attackers that we're going to have to control."

On the test awaiting 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 game. I think they're all challenges that we face.

"But we believe in ourselves, we're at home and we love playing at home, so there's a lot going for us as well."