Howe on Joelinton, transfers and a 'good feeling around the team'

Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game at Ipswich (15:00 GMT).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Joelinton is "a little bit battered and bruised" and has "had a few stitches" after being taken off against Brentford with a bloodied ear. He will not be available for Saturday's game but will "hopefully be fit for the week after".

• On being drawn against Arsenal in the Carabao Cup semi-final: "We've had some good games against Arsenal in the last couple of years so we'll look forward to that. That's something on the horizon for us to really look forward to. We're all excited by that."

• He believes the win over the Bees can start a positive run: "There is a good feeling around the team at the moment. I'd like to think we're building some momentum but proof will be in what we deliver on Saturday."

• There have been "very loose discussions" about January transfer activity: "There hasn't been many discussions in great depth on January and that's because we've got a lot of games. I don't think that's our main focus at the moment, certainly not mine. But of course we're aware January is around the corner and we'll need to be reactive and ready."

• The Magpies will be training on Christmas Day: "It's an intense schedule for the players. When you're in this industry, you know that the Christmas period is slightly different but we enjoy it and the games around Christmas do have a unique atmosphere. They have a special feel."

• On opposite number Kieran McKenna and Ipswich: "He's a top manager - what he's done with Ipswich is incredible. A dramatic, steep rise going through the leagues with near enough the same group of players - it speaks volumes for his abilities to develop players and get the best out of each and every one of them. Even the games they've lost this season, they've been in all the games. Very tight matches, very competitive team."

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