Newcastle boss Eddie Howe admitted he was “not 100 per cent” physically but was delighted to be back as he made his return to work following his recovery from pneumonia.

The club announced the 47-year-old, who was admitted to hospital on April 11 after feeling unwell for several days, was back at work on Thursday.

The Magpies boss missed his side’s Premier League fixtures against Manchester United, Crystal Palace and Aston Villa but is back in time for their clash with relegation-threatened Ipswich on Saturday.

Howe admitted he had experienced a “range of emotions” in what has been a challenging couple of weeks.

“I’m okay,” Howe said. “I’m not 100 per cent in my body, but I’d like to think I’m very close to 100 per cent in my mind, which is the most important thing.

“I tried to take a positive from every experience – I think that’s really important to try and do that – but this has been a real challenge because your health, you take for granted.

“I certainly have, and when you don’t have the luxury of feeling normal it can be very difficult.

“I certainly have been through a range of emotions, but thankfully I feel like I’m on the road to recovery, which is the most important thing and I’m delighted to be here.”

More to follow…