Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has admitted that it has been tough to not call on Sandro Tonali.

The Italian midfielder is with the team and trains every day, but cannot play in matches.

Tonali has a betting ban for 10 months that is set to last until August, depriving Howe of his big money summer signing.

"He's very much like a normal player apart from the fact we can't pick him on a Saturday," Howe told beIN SPORTS.

"Apart from that, he's doing everything. He's doing all the training.

"His attitude has been absolutely brilliant. When you consider he's not got that carrot at the end of the week - he's not got that game - you wouldn't know it from his training performances.

"He's been very good for the other players that are playing. It's been frustrating seeing him because you know you're missing a top quality player. I would love to be able to use him at the moment, but I'm seeing some really good things from him."