The Magpies welcome Leeds United to St. James' Park on Saturday afternoon (3pm kick-off) hoping to secure a seventh straight Premier League victory and close the gap between themselves and leaders Arsenal.

It has been a terrific 12 months for second-placed United, who dragged themselves clear of the drop zone during the first half of the year before mounting a push for European football in the second.

And as they prepare for the visit of Jesse Marsch's Leeds, Howe says he is proud of the efforts of Newcastle's players and staff that have led them to this lofty position.

Here are some of the other topics covered by Howe during his pre-match media briefing on Friday morning:

On his side's current injury situation...

"Injury-wise, we are without Jonjo (Shelvey), Emil Krafth. (There are) a couple of other niggles within the squad from the game but hopefully we'll get the majority of players training today.

"Callum (Wilson)'s improved. He trained with us yesterday, so he's in a better place."

On Shelvey's setback, which has sidelined the midfielder...

"He's disappointed. He's a passionate guy, he lives for football, he lives for that feeling of playing and showing his skills on a weekly basis. That's a big driver in his life and I think when he's not able to do that physically at the moment, it's a big thing taken away from him.

"We're currently supporting him. I saw him yesterday and had a good chat with him. He's a lot more positive about the future and really focussing on his rehab. Although the time period is lengthy, it's not a long-term injury - he can very quickly get into his rehab, start running again quite quickly, so there's a lot to be positive about."

On whether Shelvey's injury will affect the club's plans for the January transfer window...

"That's something we're reflecting (on) and analysing on a daily basis. I think we'll have a look at it, we'll have a look at our squad - it's a forever-changing thing, day-by-day.

"I don't think it's forced any immediate reaction, to say 'right, we must do this'. No definite decision's been made, but I think we'll reflect."

On what his side can expect from Marsch's Leeds, who sit 15th in the table...

"I think from a physical perspective it'll be two teams that give their all. I've watched a lot of Leeds in preparation for this game and I've been impressed by them. I was impressed by them against Manchester City a couple of days ago.

"They give everything, they're very committed, they're playing for their manager and leaving everything out on the pitch. I think they've been unlucky not to get more points, so we do anticipate a very fast-paced game between two good teams."

On the collective effort that has gone into lifting the club from the position it was in at the start of 2022...

"To this point, as I sit here today, I'm very proud of the group and everyone connected with the club and what they've given - 100 per cent effort. I've seen a real collective force. I've seen people putting the team ahead of their own self-interest.

"I don't think you have the success we've had in this calendar year without that, so the challenge is to maintain that and improve that. That's what we'll be looking to do into the New Year."