Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe is adamant they have plenty to play for this season.

Howe was speaking ahead of today's early kickoff against West Ham.

He said, “With the ten games we have, it is a really good opportunity for us to finish strongly. We are looking for consistency in our performance and of results.

"It's a good chance for us to build for next year and to find our best rhythm back, hopefully welcoming some key players back from injury and we can feel that strength towards the end of the season.

"It's important for us. I think there's been a few quotes that our season is over. Internally, we're certainly not looking at it like that at all. We are focused on building and finding some positive momentum."

On facing West Ham United, he said: “We want to be closing that gap. They are a very difficult team to play against, a dangerous team. They have done well in European competition and found some good Premier League form during the season but we are back at home.

"It feels like a long time since we've played back at St. James' Park. We left on a good note in our last game there and we are desperate to pick that up again."