EDDIE HOWE has praised Kieran Trippier’s astute leadership in the seconds that led up to Newcastle United’s match-winning penalty in this evening’s 2-1 win over Nottingham Forest.

Trippier seized the ball in the wake of referee Paul Tierney pointing to the spot in stoppage time at the City Ground, with it initially appearing as though he was going to take the crucial spot-kick.

As a result, the Newcastle skipper was the focus for the Nottingham Forest players’ attempts to slow things down and knock him off him stride.

However, after events calmed down, Trippier handed the ball to Alexander Isak, who had been able to regain his composure, and the Swede duly stepped up to stroke a superb match-winning strike into the top corner.

“I’d love to take the credit for that (Trippier’s action) because it was good,” said Howe. “But Alex is our penalty taker. He took our last penalty against Bournemouth and put that away really well.

“Kieran had the ball, so I was a little bit confused, but it was great to see Alex take it so well. That’s the hallmark of Kieran – I thought he was excellent again today.

“There were moments in that game where we really needed our leaders because for ten or 15 minutes, we lost our way a little bit and lost our composure. There was maybe too much emotion, and I think the leaders in the team just calmed the guys down and we went again.”

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Howe was also full of praise for Isak, who made it three goals in his last two games as he equalised with an excellent volley in the first half before settling things from the spot in the second.

“I think confidence is key for any attacking player,” said the Magpies boss. “The penalty was ice cool. It was a huge moment for us, in our season, and it’s not easy to do that, especially with the delay. But he put it away really well. The first goal was a slightly unorthodox finish, but it was great to see one hit the woodwork and fall in the net this time.

“It was a top performance from him (Isak). I thought he was a constant handful for Nottingham Forest. His pace and trickery were evident. I was really pleased with the two goals, and he’s building nicely to make a huge impact for us.”