EDDIE HOWE has admitted Newcastle United will have to continue to tread carefully with Callum Wilson during the international break to ensure he is able to stay fit for the final two months of the season.

Wilson was an unused substitute during last night’s 2-1 win at Nottingham Forest, with Howe admitting he did not want to bring the striker off the bench unless absolutely forced too.

The England international, who has not been selected in Gareth Southgate’s squad for this month’s Euro 2024 qualifiers against Italy and Ukraine, has been struggling with injury and illness since the World Cup.

And Howe admits he will have to be managed carefully in the remainder of the season as Newcastle look to keep up their push for a Champions League spot.

“He (Wilson) had a small bout of illness and then just a little bit of tightness, general tightness, no injury,” said Howe, who watched Alexander Isak score both of his side’s goals at the City Ground.

“But with Callum, I think we have to be very careful with him and make sure he's available for the rest of the season.”

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In Wilson’s absence, Isak has scored three goals in Newcastle’s last two matches, with his superb attacking display against Forest proviong crucial to the Magpies’ win.

Howe does not expect Wilson to be satisfied with a place on the bench, but is confident Newcastle’s number nine will do everything he can to support his fellow frontman.

“Callum's a top professional,” he said. “And he is driven more than anybody that I've ever worked with, so he will see Alex performing as he has done tonight and he'll be delighted for Alex and the team. But it'll only make his resolve even stronger to fight for that place.”