"Massive players" - Howe picks out two Mags and explains 17-year-old call-up

It was another big win for Newcastle United over the weekend, making it two cup victories in the space of four days as we overcame a a feisty Birmingham City at St Andrews.

It puts us in the hat for tonight's fifth round draw shortly after 7pm on BBC One and the competition could really open up now Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea and Spurs have all been knocked out.

With us still in the race for a top-four finish, into the Carabao Cup final and the last 16 of the FA Cup, this could really be a season to remember for Newcastle, who have now won 12 of our last 14 games.

Howe hails two standout performers

Following Saturday's 3-2 win, Eddie Howe was quick to praise two 'massive players' in particular - Joe Willock and Will Osula.

With Anthony Gordon (quad) ruled out and Jacob Murphy handed a rest, we saw the pair start either side of Callum Wilson and they made a huge impact.

Howe hailed Osula's "pace, strength and directness", discussed his ability to play in different positions and his ability to score goals, despite having plenty of 'rough edges' to his game.

“I thought Will was a real outlet for us," Howe said on Osula. "His pace, strength and directness were key for us in that first half, finding our way back into the game.

“He’s still got some areas of his game that need development, but he’s certainly moving in the right direction and I thought he was unlucky not to score.

“I think he can play any of the front three positions. I think anything that showcases his pace, I think that’s his best asset. You saw that with his direct running.

“I think he’s got goals in him, I think he’s a natural goal scorer. There’s a few rough edges we need to improve, keep working and developing him, but he’s a massive player for us now.”

As for Willock, Howe has delighted to see our previously out-of-sorts midfielder shine on the left, feeling this is a "big moment in his season and a reminder of his quality after two goals and a man of the match display.

"Really pleased for him," Howe said. "We really want to see Joe at his best, It’s been a stop-start season for him, but this is a big moment.”

"He's always been a goalscorer for us and a goal creator. I thought he did really well. I think he’s got the running capacity to play in that position (on the left). It’s different to playing infield, but he’s got the pace to take players on and engage in those one-on-one actions.

"He's a massive player with real legs in midfield and has a creative eye. I was pleased he took his two goals, especially the second one."

Neave rewarded by Howe

17-year-old Geordie Sean Neave was rewarded with his first call-up to the senior side on Saturday night, taking his place on the bench in Birmingham.

The striker has seven goals and two assists in seven appearances in the Premier League's U18 league this season, also scoring one and creating another on his only start for the U21s.

Speaking after the game, Howe explained why the teenager got his chance, praising his "eye for goal" and ability to play in several positions.

"He's a player we like with really good attributes," Howe said on Neave. "He can play a few positions and has got an eye for goal - you can see in training he always seems to pop up with the ability to score."