Eddie Howe's famous mantra that there is 'no dead games' for Newcastle United is ringing true once more as the Magpies prepare for Tuesday's Carabao Cup clash with Bournemouth. The north east outfit had to endure an untimely break brought about by the winter World Cup, as Howe looks to pick up from where he left off at St James' Park this week.
Many will have been hoping Newcastle are back to full fitness and raring to go for the trip to Leicester on Boxing Day but Howe has rubbished any talk that tomorrow's cup clash is a warm-up for the return of Premier League football.
Asked about whether playing Bournemouth before returning to Premier League action was good preparation, Howe responded: "In terms of the Premier League schedule, it's good to have this game. But we've looked to get ourselves in the best physical condition for this game, not use this game as a step for the Premier League.
