Howe on Wilson's injury, driving standards and facing Leicester

Howe expressed his sympathy for Callum Wilson's "pain", after the forward's latest injury setback: "I really feel for Callum because we see the work and dedication he has shown - not just in the recovery from this injury but throughout his career really. He is an inspirational player. He has taken himself away from family for a long period of time to get back to his best. When you go to that level of dedication and see him not get the end result this time, I feel really sad for him. I back him to come back again. We know his quality and we want to see him in a Newcastle shirt again and scoring goals."

Meanwhile, Nick Pope is a doubt for the Leicester game and Joe Willock is yet to train this week: "Nick has carried a new injury this week. Initially we thought it was nothing and he is seeking specialist opinion today. We hope he is available for tomorrow. Joe Willock we haven't seen train yet. Lewis Miley has come through some games on his road to recovery so I am happy with him."

Also, despite returning to training, Sven Botman will not play for the first tea until the end of the month: "He has been training for a while. He has been training for around four weeks. That was the plan. We try and follow the right protocols to make sure he doesn't get injured again. The plan is late December or very early January when he might be available."

After the 4-2 defeat at Brentford, Howe has sought to address the basics: "The fundamentals of our performance against Brentford weren't right. When you concede four, there are issues. It was not cohesive defending. The last two games we have conceded seven goals. We have worked on it and hopefully that will show."

Howe said he relishes the expectations at Newcastle: "You can never escape pressure. It is always there at a club of this size. I surround myself with my work and the focus of the work might change but the ethic and standards I demand of myself does not change. We are always in the pursuit of improvement, regardless of results. You are aware of what people may be saying but I don't absorb any of it. I take criticism and you know it is part of the job. I encourage it because if it keeps it away from the players, that is crucial."

He recognised the new threat Ruud van Nistelrooy's Leicester side will pose: "It brings a couple of new challenges. He has made some tweaks and changed how he wants them to play. We are ready for that and we respect them and respect Ruud. We know the importance of this game and after the last result we need a reaction."