Howe hails man of the match, issues Gordon update and reacts to big win at Forest

Eddie Howe has heaped praise on Joelinton following our 3-1 win at Nottingham Forest, explaining why his attitude and ability to do a good job in several positions is “like gold dust” after another all-action display.

The boss also issued an update on Anthony Gordon, who was forced off late on. Howe confirmed it’s a hip issue and “similar problem” to the one that ruled him out at Chelsea a few weeks ago, leaving him a “doubt” for international duty with England after last week’s call-up.

On the game itself and superb comeback victory on the road, Howe described it as a “big moment” in our season that keeps the momentum going after back-to-back wins at St James’ Park last week. He believes there’s now a “totally different feel about the team”, who will spend time in Saudi Arabia over the break while others go away on international duty.

Howe on Joelinton – “Joelinton is like gold dust because wherever you put him you know he’s going to do a good job. His attitude never changes in training. He’s playing in different positions so he has to do the training. I’m really pleased again with his performance.”

Howe on Gordon – “It looks like a similar problem to one he had a few weeks ago with his hip. We hope it’s not serious but I don’t know yet, I’ve not spoken to him. I’d say he’s a doubt (for England) because he’s come off.”

Howe on three straight wins – “We needed some momentum. We always say how quickly football can change and your fortunes can turn. So three wins and there is a totally different feel about the team. I’m really pleased today because an away game, going 1-0 down to come back and win in the way that we did, I think is a big moment for us.

“We probably don’t want an international break at this moment in time but it’s there and we have got an extended break as well because we play on the Monday, not the Saturday, when we come back.

“So players will go away, we go to Saudi Arabia, we come back but we try and keep the feeling that we have now. We know that we’re in a good position and we’re building our season but we have some key games to come.”