EDDIE Howe has hinted that he could welcome a special guest to Newcastle United to speak to the players in the build-up to Sunday's Carabao Cup final against Manchester United.

Howe would have loved a visit from Kevin Keegan but, speaking earlier this week, said that might prove difficult to arrange ahead of Sunday's game. Regardless, he said a guest appearance from Keegan at the training ground is a must at some stage and something the head coach will "definitely" organise.

But in the build-up to Sunday's game, Howe has been thinking "outside the box" in terms of motivational techniques and helping his players prepare for Newcastle's first domestic cup final in 24 years.

The priority all week for Howe has been finding the right balance and making sure his players don't "overthink" Sunday's final and the emotions that surround it.

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Howe and his coaching team have given real thought to every small detail.

"There are always things up our sleeve, it's whether we decide to use them or not," he said.

"We try to think slightly out the box in terms of trying to create the right atmosphere, whether that's taking pressure off the players, adding pressure to the players, every game is different and we need to figure out what the right preparation is, and that's what we're in the process of doing."

On the prospect of a visit from former boss Keegan, Howe said on Tuesday: "I'd love Kevin to come. I know he lives in Manchester so that might be difficult, but at some stage we'll definitely arrange that. We are trying to sort something for later in the week with someone."