Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has urged in-form forward Anthony Gordon to retain his ruthless edge after a four-goal haul in the Champions League against Qarabag FK.

The 24-year-old England international struck four times in Wednesday’s 6-1 play-off first-leg win in Baku, taking his tally in this season’s competition to 10 goals.

Gordon completed his quartet with a second penalty at the Tofiq Bahramov Republican Stadium, despite captain Kieran Trippier urging him to hand spot-kick duties to Nick Woltemade.

Asked whether he wanted Gordon to show a selfish streak, Howe played down the incident.

“There were really big positives to take from that moment. Things like that can get blown out of all proportion — it was a very minor issue,” Howe said on Friday.

“It was great from Anthony that he’s got that strong enough resolve that he wants to score in every moment — and you’d want that from any player — so I’ve got no issue with him.

“I’ve got no issue with Kieran either, trying to think of the team and lead in his way. I actually thought it was a positive on all sides.

“The good thing is we scored the penalty, which is another positive. It showed that all the players care and want to do well.”

Newcastle, currently mid-table in the Premier League, travel to second-placed Manchester City on Saturday. The Magpies are seeking their first league win at the Etihad Stadium since September 2000, having lost on their last 16 league visits.