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Eddie Howe reacted to Nick Woltemade's attempt to take Newcastle's penalty. (Image: Getty Images)

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe has expressed his delight at Nick Woltemade's eagerness to take a penalty in Brussels, despite it being Anthony Gordon's responsibility.

The German international tried to grab the ball after Anthony Elanga was fouled in the box, but Joelinton intervened and calmed him down. Despite this causing some tension for Gordon, who had previously blundered a penalty against Everton a year ago, Howe was unfazed by Woltemade's desire to score.

Howe said: "I love it! The best strikers I've worked with want to score. Even if there is a directive, they don't care! They want to score. They want that responsibility. I've got no issue with that at all."

After Gordon scored the first goal, Woltemade rushed over to celebrate with him, taking his Champions League tally to three this season.

Despite receiving criticism from Bayern Munich, including Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, questioning Woltemade's £69million fee, Howe remains confident in the striker's potential. He said: "His potential is high. There are certain things we want to get more from him.

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Continue Reading: Eddie Howe speaks out on Nick Woltemade penalty row and Newcastle ace's reaction

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