Eddie Howe has claimed Anthony Gordon is relishing his first visit to Goodison Park as a Newcastle United player.
A product of Everton’s academy, Gordon left the club to join Newcastle in acrimonious circumstances during the January transfer window. The winger submitted a formal transfer request to force through the move.
However, the England under-21 international is now set to return to Merseyside for the first time on Thursday night. And although Howe wouldn’t discuss the 22-year-old’s Blues departure, he does believe his winger is aware of the kind of reception he is likely to receive from Everton supporters.
READ MORE: Everton warned they may face 'biggest financial jeopardy in world football'
LIVE UPDATES: Sean Dyche press conference from 1.30pm ahead of Everton v Newcastle
"It’s very difficult for me to comment on how he left, as I’m not party to what happened and what went on," Howe said.
"I can only really comment on the player that I’ve seen, and he’s been very good, trained really well. As I’ve said many times, (he’s) very passionate, wants to achieve and do really well in his career.
"What happened at Everton, I can’t really comment on. But he’s fine and in a good place, and looking forward to the game."
And when asked if he would be mindful of the likely reaction Gordon is likely to receive, Howe replied: "Yes, definitely, but I don’t necessarily know what I can do about that to change it, if that makes sense.
"You don’t want to have or do anything that impacts the team, which is the most important thing. This is something surrounding the game, but isn’t influencing the game in terms of tactical preparation.
"There’s nothing I can do to change that. It’s something we need to be mindful of, but I’m not too sure other than concentrating on how we play and what we can do."
Howe also revealed that Bruno Guimaraes continues to be troubled by the ankle injury he suffered earlier this season, but the midfielder is expected to be fit enough to be available for Thursday’s game.
"Bruno, we think will be OK," the Newcastle boss revealed. "There's a slight issue there where he's twisted his ankle initially, it was quite a nasty injury.
"When he has an action in a game, whether it's a kick or a twist, there's a slight bit of pain in his ankle then it really settles down quite quickly. He's in consultation with the medical team.
"He went through a spell of about two weeks where it didn't bother him at all. He aggravated it again on Sunday. We don't see it being a long term problem but that's for the medical team and Bruno to hopefully find a solution."
And when asked for a further injury update, Howe replied: "We have a couple of knocks.
"Fab [Fabian Schar] we'll have to check and make a late call on and it's the same situation with a couple of the other lads."
READ NEXT
Yerry Mina may have played final Everton game after repeated Sean Dyche hints
New Everton arrival details confirmed for Newcastle as raucous Goodison welcome planned
Everton fans sent 'motivation' message as Alex Iwobi wants Newcastle heroics repeat
Inside Sean Dyche's plan to save Dominic Calvert-Lewin's Everton season
Every word Roy Hodgson said in emotional take on Lampard, Dyche and Everton's problems
