Newcastle boss Eddie Howe admits Garang Kuol's loan with Hearts hasn't gone to plan.

Kuol has managed just one start for the Jambos since his January arrival.

Howe, who will look at Kuol in pre-season, said: "Sometimes, through a disappointing loan, you can actually respond and learn things about yourself which makes the loan really beneficial.

"So I'd never look at it as a huge negative.

"But, of course, the loan probably hasn't gone as we'd have hoped."