Newcastle manager Eddie Howe says the FA Cup is still magic and the competition that attracted him to football.

The Magpies are six-time winners of the prestigious trophy but have not lifted it since 1955. They open this season’s campaign against League Two side Bromley on Sunday and Howe says the competition retains its appeal.

He said: “It’s still the FA Cup and it hasn’t changed at all in my mind.

“The FA Cup was the competition that attracted me to football when I was growing up. Knockout competition and the drama it provided were one of the things that drew me in very early on in the game.

“The name, the FA Cup, that doesn’t change. It still has magic.”

Star striker Aleksandar Isak will not be risked against the lower league side after switching to Arsenal in midweek.

Eddie Howe returns to St James’ Park:

“The three games we’ve had away have been great days for us but they’ve been tiring. It’s good to be back home and now we’ve got a bit of a run there. In these games, they’re never easy away from home but I think That it’s nice not to travel… pic.twitter.com/PS98AXrDhl

— Newcastle United (@NUFC) January 10, 2025

The Sweden striker scored the opening goal in the 2-0 win and has scored 10 goals in his last nine games for his club.

Howe said: “We think he’s very good. He is currently seeing his physio. I gave him two days rest, but he is in a good place and will report tomorrow (when) I get a good look at him.

“It doesn’t look like a serious injury – not from the initial assessment. But fingers crossed.

“We probably would have included him in this game somehow, but with what has happened, he will be given this game so he can rest and get himself fit for the future schedule that we have.”

Howe wants to stay in Dubravka

Goalkeeper Martin Dubravka has been linked with a move away from the club this month as his contract expires in the summer.

After Nick Pope was injured, Dubravka has played every game since mid-December and Howe is keen to keep him for longer.

He said: “He’s still here and a big part of what we’re trying to do and he’s playing really well.

“Martin is in a difficult situation, like any player who is coming to the end of his contract in the summer. There is always a sense of doubt. He will naturally want a conclusion to his future – whether it is a new contract with us or whatever the outcome.

“I’m really happy with him and he’s played his part in our recent fixtures. Against Arsenal, I thought he was really, really good and I hope we can reach some kind of agreement with him.