NEWCASTLE United are sweating over the fitness of two key players after the impressive victory over Brighton at St James' Park.

The Magpies took a major step towards securing a place in next season's Champions League with a 4-1 win over Albion - but the victory could have come at a cost.

Joe Willock was forced off injured in the second half, while Joelinton also picked up a knock. Both are now doubts for Monday's visit of Leicester City.

Eddie Howe said: "The two Joes are a bit of a doubt for us. Joelinton took a knock, and Willock looks like he has a hamstring injury."

Elliot Anderson was introduced for Newcastle when Willock was forced off at a crucial stage of the game, with Brighton having halved the deficit to 2-1 and tension setting in.

Howe said: "I think Elliot has been very unlucky. His last major contribution to the team was match defining at Nottingham Forest, with the help of the other players he helped turn the game for us that night.

"Since then we've had other players return to fitness and he's found game time hard to come by, purely because of the strength of the group. We really believe in Elliot and in a number of different positions as well. He showed his versatility coming on on the right side of midfield and did a really good job."

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Howe was delighted with his side's performance as Newcastle moved to within two points of the Champions League.

An own-goal from Deniz Undav set Newcastle on their way to victory before Dan Burn's header in first half stoppage time. Undav got a goal back for Brighton but Callum Wilson scored in the last minute before Bruno struck in stoppage time.

Howe said: "I thought it was a brilliant performance out of possession from us. Really, really good. In the first half especially I thought we were very good and unlucky not to score more goals, especially in open play.

"We were reliant on set-plays but you always fear with Brighton that the less they have to lose at 2-0 down the more difficult they can make it for you. I thought they were very good in the second half. We had to dig in and be resilient and see the game out.

"When you're sat in my position you need different ways to win, it can never be about pure beautiful football at this level because teams will always have a threat and pose problems.

"Brighton have their way of playing and it's a really nice style, really brave, I admire it a lot. It was our job to try and upset their rhythm and stop them penetrating us as they have done to a lot of Premier League teams. I thought we did that really well, then we showed our quality and threat as well."