Former Sunderland striker Darren Bent believes a loss this weekend in the FA Cup would doom Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe.

The Englishman has seen his fortunes at the St. James' Park club transformed within weeks.

Howe was a hero last season, taking the team to fourth place and the Carabao Cup final.

But he must now find a way to beat local rivals and Championship side Sunderland in the cup.

“I don't even think it would be from the supporters," Bent told talkSPORT of Howe, whose team are in ninth place in the Premier League and out of Europe entirely.

"I think the supporters understand they're ahead of schedule and the job that he's done has been fantastic.

“But I think the owners have now had a taste of European football and they want to invest money into the squad – you can invest more money in the squad if you're in the Champions League.

“But if they start to drift away from Europe – which at the minute, they are – I think the owners might panic and go: 'Enough's enough, get someone else in.'"