‘attractive proposition’ regardless of whether in Europe or not

make that assessment or decision. But it certainly helps, but I think think this club is really ambitious and it’s in a good place. So I’d like to think with what we can offer for players we are an attractive proposition anyway.”

Newcastle’s season, if anything, has been a salvage job for Howe and his backroom team after slipping out of the top four. A rotten December and some indifferent results after Christmas had the Magpies slumped in 10th spot just two months ago. But big and important wins over West Ham, Tottenham Hotspur, Sheff United and Burnley have put them right back in the hunt.

Howe said: “We are competing for something; we are in the mix. We have three games in a massive week for us, it will go down to the wire. We back ourselves, we are in a good place. A few weeks or months ago we would have taken this position. But I really give credit to the players because they have found that consistency towards the back end of the season. We back ourselves when we are in our best place.”

Howe’s hopes of beating Brighton and potentially putting one foot into Europe next season have been raised with Joelinton, Nick Pope and Miguel Almiron all back from injury. The next player to return is likely to be Kieran Trippier.

When asked if would bench Tino Livramento or Lewis Hall to accommodate Trippier’s return, Howe said: “When you are in my shoes you have to get all the information in and see where Kieran is at with his injury and his fitness. Then you have to try to pick the best team.”