EDDIE Howe has backed Anthony Gordon to maintain his brilliant recent form for Newcastle United - but the head coach isn't setting any goal and assist targets for the wideman.

And even if he did, he wouldn't make the number public.

It took Gordon 16 games last season to break his Newcastle goal duck, with the January signing not finding the net until the final day draw at Chelsea.

But his strike against the same opponents on Saturday took his tally to this season for five - which is already his career best for a campaign and it's not yet Christmas.

HIs assist against Chelsea for Jamaal Lascelles' goal was his third of the season, a tally only bettered by Kieran Trippier for Newcastle this season. And only Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson are averaging more shots per game than the former Everton man.

"Mentally he's in a very good place," said Howe of Gordon ahead of Tuesday night's crunch Champions League clash at PSG.

If Newcastle are to stun PSG again then Gordon will undoubtedly be key. He was immense in Saturday's win over Chelsea, causing no end of problems for Reece James, who was eventually sent off for fouling the winger.

It was the perfect response from Gordon to his latest England snub but if he continues in his current form it will be almost impossible for Gareth Southgate to leave him out of his squad for next summer's European Championships.

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Come the end of the season, if he maintains his current high standards, how many goals and assists could he end up with?

“I've not thought about that and I'd never give you a number on that," said Howe.

"The important thing for Anthony is he continues to perform in the way that he has. I thought he was very good against Chelsea, he was a constant menace for them down that left-hand side.

"His ball for the second goal was an exceptional piece of play that probably wins us the game, and his finish at the end just highlights a growing confidence in front of goal."