Eddie Howe speaks out on Anthony Gordon as Liverpool take note after friendly

Anthony Gordon's latest performance underlined why Eddie Howe is determined to keep him at Newcastle United, with the youngster impressing on his swift return from England duty at the Euros.

The £80m sought-after winger, who is being monitored by Liverpool, stepped onto the pitch against Champions League side Girona on Friday. He made an immediate impact, finding the net in the first-half as Newcastle dominated with four goals before the break.

Sean Longstaff contributed with two of his own, while Jacob Murphy also scored what proved to be an eventful night. Despite only joining training on Tuesday following his summer stint with England, Gordon was thrust straight into the fray by Howe, who remarked on his "sharp" play.

Previously, Gordon had been dangled before Liverpool at the end of June, as Newcastle looked to balance the books in order to adhre to PSR rules.

While the move initially piqued interest at Anfield, it eventually stalled, as Newcastle accrued £65m through the sales of Elliot Anderson and Yankuba Minteh instead. And Gordon has now quickly cast aside any rumours of unrest with his energetic display on Friday.

Howe weighed in: "Gordon? The plan was for 45 minutes. He looked good today. He is behind the others and had to have a mental break after the Euros and a long season. He played very well and we will build his training load up next week.

"No doubt, he feels good. He wanted to play longer tonight. He is a professional and has looked after himself. I am confident he will be ready for next week.

"I thought he would come back fit. He is young. It is easier when you are a younger player. We need to see how he trains this week and make an assessment.

"Generally it was very good. Really pleased with the energy and intensity in that first half hour was top drawer. It was a big game to show our true selves and that will get us in part ready for next week."

Howe summed up his stance over Gordon at the end of July, saying. "He's been committed. We've had no conversations over the summer where it has been fractious or negative. He's always been the Anthony Gordon who has given absolutely everything to Newcastle.

"He's such an important player for us, we didn't want to lose anybody. Why would we want to lose our best players? We fought really hard to make the right decisions. In those last few weeks it was very, very difficult. He's an integral part of what we're doing. I'm confident he is ok. You can only judge Anthony on what he has given Newcastle on the pitch."