Kieran Trippier injury update arrives from Eddie Howe ahead of Sunday's clash with Aston Villa

Eddie Howe has confirmed that Kieran Trippier picked up a calf injury in the final few minutes of last night's 3-1 win over Everton.

The England international was outstanding on the night, not only setting up our equaliser and scoring our third superbly, but snapping into tackles, winning all of his battles and showing desire, quality and leadership from start to finish.

However, just after attempting to block an Andros Townsend cross on the 90-minute mark, he pulled up immediately and signalled to the bench that he needed to be replaced.

Howe has revealed that he does have a 'slight calf issue' and will be assessed, believing it would be a 'devastating' blow to lose him based on his influence on the side.

Here's what the NUFC boss has had to say:

"I think Kieran’s got a slight calf issue.

"He motioned that he needed to come off, so we’ll have to see how that is.

"It would be devastating to lose him in the form he’s in."

Fingers crossed he is able to shrug this one off in time for Sunday's clash with Aston Villa, especially when Matt Targett will be ineligible to play against his parent club.

Howe also had this to say about last night's win:

"We’re seeing the togetherness.

"We’re in a relegation battle, and we need to stick together and fight for everything.

"It’s not going to be perfect football, it’s not going to be perfect games at this moment, but we’re in a position where we have to find a way to win, even if we’re not playing at our best.

"We have to stay in games and be competitive, and I thought we were tonight.

"We did a lot of the off-the-ball stuff really well, and I was really, really pleased with the commitment."