Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has explained why Harvey Barnes came off at half-time against Bromley.

The £38million man left the field at the break with his head down and was replaced for the second half with Anthony Gordon. Barnes had a hand in the opening goal but did not have the impact he would have dreamt of the night before in what was a rare start for the forward.

Speaking about Barnes' withdrawal, Howe, speaking at his post-game press conference, said: "The Bruno and Joelinton change was planned. Harvey wasn't planned as he developed a muscle problem.

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"Anthony [Gordon] was forced. Harvey [Barnes] felt something in his quad. The plan was always to play Joe [Joelinton] and Bruno [Guimaraes] for 45 each."

There was a slight surprise when Howe named his starting line-up with Joelinton named in his midfield. It has been expected that former Arsenal man Joe Willock would start alongside Lewis Miley and Sean Longstaff.

Howe said: "Joe Willock felt something in training yesterday. A muscular problem. We don't think it's too serious."

Newcastle had fell behind early in the game but fought back to win it 3-1. Speaking about falling behind, Howe said: "It's a moment you never like [going behind]. You prepare for a lot of eventualities in your mind before the game and respect every opponent. It can happen. It did happen.

"It was important we responded. The longer it goes on the more anxiety can creep in. What a brilliant finish from Lewis Miley. From that moment we settled into the game."