Howe could hand debut to South Korean starlet in Suwon | OneFootball

The 18-year-old winger joined United from K League 2 side Suwon Bluewings last week, and linked up with his new team-mates for their tour of Asia, which began in Singapore before the squad flew into South Korea on Monday.

His former club play their home games at the Suwon World Cup Stadium, which is the venue for Wednesday's game, and Howe has pledged to do "everything I can" to hand him a bow in black and white this week.

The Magpies' head coach faced the media on Tuesday and these were some of the main talking points:

On Wednesday's match against Team K League...

"We're looking forward to the game. I just walked out the hotel for the first time since arriving last night and I was hit by the heat again, which we're looking forward to. Playing in this heat is extreme but we're honoured to be asked to play here and it's a privilege to play in this game against such a strong team.

"I know their level will be very, very high. We won't underestimate our opponents so we'll prepare as well as we can. We'll have our usual things in place to make sure that we know what's ahead."

On the reception which met the team when they landed in South Korea on Monday evening...

"It was amazing. When you step outside of the plane, you never quite know what to expect, especially as a lot of staff and players were sleeping. It's quite a unique experience to come out feeling very tired and be greeted by a lot of people, but the support and the energy was all positive.

"We're very grateful for the people that did turn up to show their support for the club. We feel very, very grateful to be in this position."

On two different tests against Team K League and Tottenham Hotspur, who United also face in South Korea...

"We're possibly going to look at it in terms of where our players are fitness-wise, so I think we're going to balance our teams on players that are slightly fresher to possibly play the first game, and players that maybe need a little bit more recovery time after the Arsenal game will play the second game.

"But we're focusing on our first Premier League match against Aston Villa, making sure that we're getting ready for that. It's a big part, pre season, getting the players ready to play but make sure they don't pick up too many injuries so that will certainly be considered."

On Sven Botman, who came off with an injury against Arsenal in Singapore at the weekend...

"We didn't think it was a serious injury at the time, which has been confirmed in the scan. He definitely won't play tomorrow but whether he plays a part in the Tottenham game, let's wait and see. Possibly not, but then we hope he can be available for the double-header leading into the first game."

On Seung-soo Park...

"I think it's slightly unclear what's going to happen short term with him - we're going to have to make an assessment on where we see him fitting in the best currently.

"We've had only a very short term impression, one or two training sessions. It's been very positive so far - he seems like a very good person, fundamentally, and it's all new experiences for him but I sure he'll do very, very well. We're very keen to look at this is a future market for us, signing a similar profile of player, so this is hopefully the start.

"I'll do everything I can to try to get him on the pitch (on Wednesday) because I think that'll be important for him and of course everyone that wants to see him play. I'll certainly do my best. We've got lots of information we'll be giving him but I think it'll just be a case of go out and play his normal game and that will be good enough."

On the summer transfer window, which closes in just over a month...

"It's going to be an important time for us. There's lots to take in. We have to bring in the right players at the right prices - I don't think we should, in any way, act out of character for how we've always tried to work in the windows and try to do what's best for the football club in a strategic way. That can't change.

"So if the right player isn't out there for the right price, then we can't do the deals. Everything's got to fall in line. Obviously, we're looking to improve the squad, we're looking to try and add depth and quality to the areas that we've identified. Fingers crossed we can get some deals done."

All of the Magpies' pre-season fixtures, including the game against Team K League, are available for supporters around the world (subject to broadcast rights) to watch live on the Official Newcastle United website and app. Click here for more information.