EDDIE HOWE admits he's facing some difficult decisions at full-back after Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall both staked their claim with outstanding displays at Manchester United in midweek.

Livramento and Hall have both had to be patient since their summer arrival from Southampton and Chelsea respectively, with both full-backs having only started two games - both in the Carabao Cup.

Hall is only 19 and Livramento is only a year older and Howe described both as "outstanding prospects". But the Newcastle boss admitted that the performance of the pair at Old Trafford showed they're both absolutely ready to make an impact this season.

Livramento set Newcastle on their way to their brilliant victory with a brilliant driving run and assist for the Miguel Almiron opener, before Hall opened his account for the Magpies with a volleyed second.

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Head coach Howe is likely to revert back to his first choice full-back pairing of Kieran Trippier and Dan Burn for tomorrow evening's visit of Arsenal in the Premier League, but Livramento and Hall have given him plenty to think about and both have crucial roles to play this season.

"Of course (they're ready to make an impact in the here and now)," said Howe.

"They were signed to push the group, to help our squad and our team. You need good players and they are very, very good players. "The form of Kieran and Dan has been really strong as well, so it's that competition that will bring out the best in everybody, but they're very good players.

"I thought they both played really well (at Old Trafford). They both showed their qualities.

"Lewis was very composed on the ball under pressure, played some lovely passes in the first half, capped off with his goal which was an unbelievable strike; Tino's stand-out moment was the assist for the goal but his all round performance again was the highest level. They're two outstanding prospects for us."

Newcastle will require clearance from Chelsea to select him in the quarter final tie. EFL rules state that Hall is technically ineligible to face the Magpies unless Mauricio Pochettino gives permission.