Those two have managed eight Premier League goals for the Magpies, while Issac – who will miss A meeting with his old club on Saturday – Has scored just twice in an injury-plagued start for the Reds.

Howe said: “You lose a player like Alex, and let’s put it this way, Liverpool paid their dues because he is an outstanding footballer, an incredible talent. We were privileged to have him over the years. We loved working with him.

“He was an outstanding player. When you take that player out of your team, it changes the dynamic, that’s for sure. Then you have to try not to replace him, but to find a player or players who can make the team really effective.

“We’re still in that moment and we’ve been trying to do that all season. I think the guys that have come in have done a great job.

“But we are still looking for ways to get the best out of the new players that we have signed without training, with very little time to do any work with them.

“There’s video analysis, talking to them, which is great, but it’s not the same as getting work on the training pitch.

“They have done really well and they are trying to give the team the best they have and we are trying to adapt.”

Newcastle trail the champions, who they beat in last season’s Carabao Cup final by three places and as many points, and head to Anfield thanks to a 1-1 Champions League draw at Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday night.