Alexander Isak sent home from Celtic game as Eddie Howe swoons over the brilliance of Brendan

League Cup champions Newcastle are preparing for a return to the top tier of European football but the Hoops face a play-off next month to secure their spot back at the top table. However, after watching his side concede four without reply at Parkhead, Howe admitted his side were second best.

The Magpies boss, who looked set to replace Neil Lennon as Celtic boss four years ago only to pul out when he couldn’t get his backroom team in place, said: “We’ve had an intense week and we looked a little bit jaded. But it was great for our preparation. Celtic were way ahead of us fitness-wise and sharpness-wise.

“It was a great atmosphere and stadium to play in. It was a good standard of football for so early in pre-season. Whoever Celtic draw in the Champions League will be in for some tough games.”

Liverpool-linked Alexander Isak travelled then was sent home. But Howe insists there’s been no approach for the £150m-rated Sweden striker.

He said: “He travelled to Glasgow with us but I decided to send him home due to the speculation around him. The last thing he wanted was to be sat in the stand watching – that wasn’t fair to him. But I’m confident he will be a Newcastle player come the end of the window.”