EDDIE HOWE admits the scheduling of next week’s Carabao Cup semi-final decider against Southampton will add a different dynamic to the game – but is adamant the fact it falls on deadline day will not detract from his focus on on-field affairs.

Newcastle United head to St Mary’s for the first leg of their last-four meeting with the Saints tomorrow evening, with the return game at St James’ Park scheduled for eight days’ time.

That means the sides will be kicking off on Tyneside just over three hours before the transfer window closes, potentially making it difficult for either club to conduct any deadline-day dealing.

Howe admits there is the potential for an extremely busy night, but is adamant that no matter what happens in tomorrow’s first leg, he will be devoting his full attention to events inside St James’ Park in a week’s time.

“It wasn’t lost on me when I saw the game fall on that day,” said the Newcastle head coach. “I was thinking, ‘That’s potentially interesting’.

“I tend to think the manager’s role in this is reduced, in the sense that you’re not necessarily in control of transfers. Well, you’re not in control of transfers, you’re hearing second and third hand what’s happening.

“In terms of meeting and greeting players, that can be done by other people. My focus that day will be solely on the game, and making sure we’re as prepared as we can be.”

With no European football, a two-legged cup tie is something of a rarity for Newcastle these days, but Howe is adamant there is no question of his side heading to St Mary’s with the aim of trying to avoid defeat ahead of the second leg.

“We won’t be approaching it in that way,” he said. “Our mindset isn’t conditioned to do that now. We’re going to try to win. That’s been the only focus in our preparation.”