Anthony Gordon’s Goodison return set to fuel the fire as Eddie Howe urges cool Newcastle heads

NEWCASTLE: Eddie Howe has warned his players to expect a walk into the lion’s den when they take on relegation-threatened Everton in the Premier League.

The Magpies travel to Goodison Park on Thursday looking to cement their spot in the leading four of the top flight following their 6-1 demolition of Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.

And while this encounter looks a whole lot easier than the last on paper, head coach Howe is mindful of two key factors in the game.

The return of midfielder Anthony Gordon, likely to start on the bench, will no doubt witness tensions running high among Scousers. Youngster Gordon was hounded out of Goodison when Everton’s results took a nosedive, seeing his car pursued and vandalized by supporters.

Howe also knows what an emotionally charged night at Goodison feels like, having seen his side slip up there this time last year, due to a 99th-minute winner from Alex Iwobi.

Howe said: “It’s very difficult for me to comment on how he [Gordon] left because I’m not party to what happened and what went on. I can only really comment on the player that I’ve seen and he’s been very, very good, trained really well. As I’ve said many times, [he’s] very passionate, wants to achieve, wants to do really well in his career.

“What happened at Everton, I can’t really comment on, but he’s fine. He’s in a good place and he’s looking forward to the game.”

Howe admits he is mindful of what impact the atmosphere can have, not only on Gordon but the rest of his Magpies squad.

He added: “It’s all about staying very present and not thinking too much. Just play the game — which is easier said than done in that environment where probably all eyes will be, he’ll feel, focused on him.

“I don’t want it to become a big