Newcastle boss Eddie Howe says team selection is the toughest part of his job.

Howe admits it's difficult leaving players out of his XI.

Speaking on The Overlap, he said: "When you're not winning games and you have to do media interviews every few days, that part is difficult because you're not sure what else you can say that you haven't said already.

"I find that difficult, but not the worst part of being manager.

"I would say the worst part is disappointing the players, I hate leaving good players out.

"I hate that moment when you're going to disappoint them, especially if they've got a good attitude and they're giving you everything they can give, and you're not picking them on a regular basis – I find that very difficult because I care about their respective journeys and I want them to enjoy playing for me.

"Whenever I am in that situation with players, I feel that honesty is the best way to deal with it.

"I've found doing it that way has never harmed me, so rather than shying away from a difficult conversation, I'll have it."