Newcastle boss Howe: I'm keeping close look on Minteh

Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe says he's watching Yankuba Minteh's progress at Feyenoord.

The summer signing has impressed during his loan in Rotterdam.

Howe said today: "I have been keeping a very close eye on him. That would have been a great day for him despite the sending off. I think he has done really well and attacked the challenge of going alone, new league, new team-mates and has played in the Champions League.

"I think he has done really well this year and he can be proud of his efforts.

"I have tended not to communicate, I think you are better off letting the players focus and not give them too many distractions. Let's wait and see what happens in his next step."