EDDIE HOWE admits Newcastle United are having to tread carefully with Kieran Trippier after his training was disrupted by his two-week stint with England.

Trippier was one of the Magpies’ star performers in this afternoon’s 5-1 win over Brentford, with his cross setting up Bruno Guimaraes’ opening goal.

The full-back was substituted in the closing stages, and Howe admits the Magpies are having to manage his workload ahead of busy week that will see them face Manchester United, Everton and Tottenham in the space of eight days.

Howe said: “He (Trippier) just had a bit of fatigue I think today. He’s come back from England duty where he didn’t play, and that two weeks can sometimes just knock a player’s normal routine and schedule.

“Touch wood, there’s no injury with him, but we’re just trying to look after him really and get him through these games.”

Similarly, Howe and the rest of Newcastle’s backroom staff are working closely with Bruno Guimaraes in an attempt to ensure the Brazilian does not suffer any issues after his return from a hamstring injury.

Howe said: “I said to him to run himself out, and then once he was done, let me know. I think the beauty of Bruno is that he won’t let the team down – when he gets to the point where he’s finished and done, he’s obviously building up his fitness levels after his injury, then he takes responsibility and lets me know. I was able to withdraw him.”

Allan Saint-Maximin and Joelinton were on the bench today, with Howe admitting that Newcastle’s fine form means he does not have to rush either player back into the starting side.

He said: “I was able to protect a couple of players. Maxi is only just back training with us, and entering the first stages of his recovery, so we didn’t have to start him.

“Joelinton, we were able to give another week to his knee, to recover. They were huge positives because entering a three-game week, we’re going to need the whole squad.”