NEWCASTLE United could be forced to take the "unusual" step of travelling on the day of an away game as Storm Éowyn threatens to disrupt the club's plans ahead of the trip to Southampton.

Newcastle's players and staff are due to fly south today after training but club officials will speak to authorities before confirming their travel arrangements.

An amber warning is in force for the North East on Friday, with winds expected to reach up to 90mph.

If Newcastle's players don't get the green light to fly to Southampton today, Howe is reluctant to travel by bus. Disruptions on the road would potentially mean United are travelling into the night. Instead, they'll rearrange and fly tomorrow if needed.

"We'll see how today goes," said Howe.

"Our plan as always is to travel today but we'll seek advice from the authorities and airport and everyone involved to see if it's safe. If not we'll fly tomorrow morning.

"It would be a long journey [on the road] and there's no guarantee with the wind and conditions that an eight or nine hour journey wouldn't turn into 12 or 13. We'll seek advice and try and make the right decision."

Asked whether travelling on the day of a game could be problematic, Howe said: "I don't think it changes too much to be honest. "We've done it before, we've travelled for a 5:30 kick off, especially if the airport is close to the ground. 3 o clock is slightly unusual but it's something we'll adapt to. I don't see an issue."

After speaking to the media this morning, Howe was set to assess Newcastle's training options and decide on the best course of action.

He said: "Hopefully we can find a place that's sheltered enough so we can train normally."

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Newcastle are set to be boosted by the return of Nick Pope tomorrow, with the goalkeeper set to be named in the squad at St Mary's. Pope has missed the last month of action with a knee injury.

But tomorrow's game will come too soon for Callum Wilson, who is expected to be ready to return early next month.

Howe said: "There's a chance Nick will be in the squad. He's started training with the group again. It's great to see him back, his presence and positivity. I've seen him do some really good things so I'm delighted to have him back in the mix.

"It's still too early for Callum. Callum is on track for right at the beginning of February if my memory serves me right.

"He's making good progress. We're trying to do the right things and making sure he's robust enough and has all the work behind him before he starts training. He seems very positive and what a massive player it would be to welcome back."

Howe gave some of his players, including Sven Botman, a couple of days off at the start of the week to refresh after the disappointing home defeat to Bournemouth.