EDDIE Howe says Lewis Cook has "done himself no harm" in staking a claim for a regular starting spot with his performance at Newcastle.

With Jefferson Lerma suspended, Cook stepped in and completed 90 minutes of the 2-1 loss at St James' Park alongside Philip Billing.

It was just the 22-year-old's third Premier League start since returning from a long-term cruciate knee ligament injury in September.

Discussing the England international's performance against the Magpies, Howe told the Daily Echo: "I thought Cookie did well. He had a lot of the ball.

"I think he was always going to have quite a bit of the ball with the way they set up and the way we set up.

"I think he can be pleased with his afternoon."

Asked if he felt Cook had done enough to force his way into Howe's starting XI when Lerma is available again, Howe added: "I think he’s done himself no harm. It was an energetic performance.

"Fitness wise he looked really good. Just remember it’s early days from his long-term injury and it’s just good to see him back playing football."