EDDIE HOWE admits Newcastle United have missed Kieran Trippier’s attacking threat from right-back, but concedes the former England international is not yet back to full sharpness following his injury lay-off.

Trippier has started just three Premier League matches this season, with his injury problems having enabled Tino Livramento to establish himself as the Magpies’ number one right-back.

The 34-year-old’s most recent hamstring problem kept him on the sidelines for around a month-and-a-half, and while he returned as a substitute in last week’s 2-0 defeat to West Ham, he continues to build up his fitness on the training ground.

Trippier was an unused substitute in last weekend’s draw at Crystal Palace, and while he is likely to find himself back on the substitutes’ bench when Newcastle host league leaders Liverpool tomorrow evening, Howe admits his attacking attributes down the right-hand side have been badly missed.

“Tripps, in line with the other players on that right-hand side, has created so much for us historically,” said the Magpies boss. “I think if you go back to our Champions League season, that was probably our most dominant side of the pitch.

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“A lot of goals came down that side, a lot of chances were created down that side, and Kieran was pivotal to that. We’ve certainly missed his attacking attributes and his range, and what he brings.

“He’s improving physically. He hasn’t played consistently now for quite a long time, so getting him back in that rhythm where he can feel 100 per cent fit will take a little bit of time. But he’s certainly closer than he was, and touch wood, he’s solved the hamstring problem that he had.”

Trippier was Newcastle’s on-pitch captain for most of last season, but the veteran handed over the armband to Bruno Guimaraes in the summer.

Guimaraes’ effectiveness as skipper has been questioned, with his form having been somewhat mixed this season, but Howe has been pleased with the Brazilian’s impact, both on and off the field, since he was handed the captaincy role.

“I think it has been a positive thing for Bruno,” said Howe. “I think he's really embraced it behind the scenes. I think he's been very good, his conduct on and off the pitch has been of a really high level and I think naturally through time, his leadership skills will develop.

“I think that's only natural for someone who is captain for this club for the first time. It's a new dynamic among the players, but I couldn't be happier with how he's embraced it and how he's attacked it. I'm sure he'll grow from this point onwards.”