Eddie Howe has spoken of his delight after Newcastle United booked their place in the last eight of the League Cup.
The Magpies edged past AFC Bournemouth thanks to an own goal from Adam Smith at St James' Park in front of over 51,000 Toon fans. United now await their opponents in the quarter-final draw with some big guns still left in the competition.
The Toon boss named a strong side against his old club and recalled World Cup stars such as Kieran Trippier and Callum Wilson.
READ MORE: Newcastle United 1-0 Bournemouth ratings: Sven Botman shines in cup win as Kieran Trippier delivers
But it was Sven Botman who shone most for the Magpies, and Howe said afterwards: “Sven Botman was excellent tonight - I thought that was his best game for us aerially. He was dominant against their strikers.
"His use of the ball this season has been excellent but he’s also come on a lot in other areas. It was a good night for him - and us."
And speaking about his World Cup stars, he said: "The World Cup players came back fit and healthy, and all desperate to play.
"None of them have had regular football - they've gone a length of time without a game - which is always quite difficult, even if you're training."
Howe knows his side were not at their brilliant best but added: "I don’t think we were at our fluent best, but I don’t think we ever were going to be just because of the build up to the game. I thought Bournemouth made it very difficult for us, [and were] very good defensively."
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