EDDIE Howe reiterated his "desperation" to keep Kieran Trippier at Newcastle after the experienced right-back underlined his importance at Bournemouth.
Trippier and fellow substitute Harvey Barnes helped swing the game in Newcastle's favour at the Vitality Stadium, with the latter crossing for Anthony Gordon's equaliser.
The England international's impact from the bench came amid uncertainty over his future on the back of reports last week that he wants to leave St James' Park ahead of Friday's transfer deadline.
But Howe says it's crucial the Magpies keep hold of the of the 33-year-old.
“You could see his experience and technical quality,” said Howe.
“There are very few full-backs with his ball-playing ability. He really helped us, calmed things down, used his experience and brought a new threat.
“I love Kieran as a footballer. I’ve managed him twice and I’m desperate to keep him.”
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The Magpies had trailed to Marcus Tavernier’s first-half goal for Bournemouth but hauled themselves level through Gordon with 14 minutes remaining.
They pressed for a winner themselves but were denied by some top-class saves from Bournemouth goalkeeper Neto before the match exploded at the other end.
The Cherries thought they had snatched a 2-1 victory when Dango Ouattara outjumped the Toon defence from a corner to guide the ball into the net - and Howe admitted he side had got away with one.
He said: “It was a welcome surprise. Our players weren’t appealing. I’d be interested to see the replay.
“The crucial thing was there was no time left in the game. It was a massive relief for us. But I think a draw is a fair result. A defeat would have been really harsh on us.”
Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola was furious with the late decision to deny his side a winner.
He said: “It’s the most frustrated I’ve been on a touchline.
“I went to talk to the referee but I think the referee cannot do much more. He gave the goal. They didn’t give him the chance to see it again.
“He heard me complain but it’s not against him. He cannot do much more. He’s not the one who made a mistake today.
“I understand the rule they will try to make me think there is a part of reasoning there – but I completely don’t agree. It’s just common sense.
“Anyone who has played football and looks at the strength of the ball when it touches back of the net knows that’s not handball, it’s a shoulder.
“You see the video. We have very short sleeves. He scores clearly with the badge on his sleeve.
“If this happens in the 23rd minute you say a lot of things could happen later, it hasn’t affected us much. But it’s the last play of the game and we will lose two points.
“For us it’s a big, big, big difference and I don’t think my players deserve what happened.”
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