Newcastle boss Eddie Howe felt their draw at Wolves was a good challenge.

Callum Wilson struck twice as Newcastle drew 2-2 at Molineux.

Howe said, "Tough game. Good game. Two really good teams. Disappointed not to win but pleased to come away with something from a really physical test. When you are leading, all you are thinking about is three points. But with the week we have had it has been a real challenge for us physically and mentally. A lot going on. The players responded really well. Nobody makes it easy for you.

"The schedule has been difficult, we had injuries and the Sandro [Tonali] situation. A lot thrown at the players and we came here with a great attitude. Physically good in tough conditions.

"It would be easy not to respond in the right way but at 2-2 I thought we were the side in the ascendancy. I give the players a lot of credit. This is a tough place to come."

On the penalty, Howe said: "I knew it was a tight call by the length of time it took to confirm the penalty. With those type of decisions you would always be disappointed if it was the other way round. Callum took it really well and it was a big moment in the game."

On two-goal Wilson, h eadded: "He it was hugely important that Callum stepped up and gave the performance we needed. Two really good goals. He is a scorer and he lives for it."