FA Cup still has the magic for Newcastle boss Eddie Howe

FA CUP MAGIC: Newcastle boss Eddie Howe has admitted the FA Cup still gives him the same thrill it did when he was a child.

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe has admitted the FA Cup still gives him the same thrill it did when he was a child.

The 47-year-old will head into Sunday's fifth round clash against Brighton eagerly anticipating what may lie ahead after imagining himself playing in the final as a youngster.

Asked at what point he allowed himself to get excited, Howe said: "I think it's from right at the start, to be honest.

"Like I've said many times before, the FA Cup for me as a kid when I was in the garden imagining my career play-acting, the game you were in was always the final. That's never gone away from me.

"The third round was always a big moment in the calendar back in the day and it's still not lost on me that it's a big occasion, so you go right back to the early rounds and they were special, this round is special and when it gets later on in the competition, it takes on even more relevance."

Howe has already guided Newcastle to the final of the Carabao Cup, as he did two seasons ago, when Manchester United ended their dream at Wembley. Premier League champions-elect Liverpool stand in their way this time around.

The FA Cup represents another opportunity for him to collect the first trophy of a managerial career which began at Bournemouth when he was just 31, although 32-year-old Brighton counterpart Fabian Hurzeler, whose side won 1-0 at St James' Park in the league in October, may have something to say about that.

Asked about the German, Howe said: "At 32, it is incredible to be managing at this level.

"(We have) slightly different histories, of course. I started with no real coaching experience behind me at that time. I was in and getting all my experience while doing it.

"Fabian's career is very different. He gained a lot more experience earlier and of course, that has led him to this role now.

"But it is hugely impressive what he is doing, not just the age - the age is irrelevant, really. It is what he is doing and how his team are playing and how they are setting up.

"I have been very impressed watching them recently. He is doing a great job."