ALEXANDER Isak impressed Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe on his return to action against Sheffield Wednesday.

The Swedish striker made his first Newcastle appearance for almost four months at Hillsborough, playing the opening 45 minutes of the FA Cup defeat to Sheffield Wednesday before being replaced at the break.

Howe confirmed afterwards that the decision to take the striker off at half-time is nothing to worry about and was always the intention as the head coach eases the frontman back into action.

"He's fine, that was the plan, to play 45," said Howe.

"We wanted him to warm up and to give him every chance to play his best football in that 45 minutes."

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Isak looked sharp in the opening 45 minutes despite his lack of action and very nearly marked his return with his goal, denied by inspired Sheffield Wednesday goalkeeper Cameron Dawson early on.

Howe said: "I thought he did very well, he was lively and had chances to score."