Eddie Howe confident Alexander Isak will stay at Newcastle as he misses friendly

Alexander Isak was given the day off amid transfer talk (Owen Humphreys/PA)

Newcastle manager Eddie Howe excused Alexander Isak from travelling to their friendly with Celtic to shield him from transfer speculation but is confident the striker will remain at St James’ Park.

Isak went home as the rest of the squad returned from an Austrian training camp on Friday but he was never earmarked to play in Glasgow.