Eddie Howe hopes that Newcastle United's treble World Cup call-ups with England are a good sign for the future.
Howe was delighted to see Callum Wilson, Kieran Trippier and Nick Pope named in Gareth Southgate's England squad for Qatar and staff and the trio celebrated the news just ahead of the announcement yesterday afternoon at Benton.
Now the Toon manager wants to see more follow the likes of Wilson, Trippier and Pope. Howe said: "We want to develop players and progress their careers, so playing in World Cups is very, very important to all the international players, not just the English guys.
"We're very proud of our internationals regardless of who they play for."
After fielding seven English players in his starting line-up against Crystal Palace in this week's League Cup tie, Howe was asked whether having a British core to his team was an aim for the future.
Howe said: “No, I wouldn't say necessarily a conscious decision to recruit English players. I think you need a core of British players in any squad considering we're playing in England.
"I'd love Geordies in the team, it's hugely important that we try to strive for that in the future consistently. But we welcome any nationality into the team, into the club and we're very proud to have all our players with us."
READ NEXT
- Eddie Howe salutes his cup heroes but admits Newcastle United were 'disjointed'
- Eddie Howe's verdict as Newcastle United need penalties to keep cup dream alive
- Alan Shearer's brilliant Nick Pope response after Newcastle Carabao Cup heroics
- Newcastle have got a bargain in Nick Pope and future stadium glimpse - 5 things
- Newcastle United player ratings as Nick Pope the hero
