United head to the City Ground for a top flight clash for the first time in 24 years as they chase the win which would see them close the gap to fourth-placed Tottenham Hotspur.

And Howe says he is considering fielding former Real Sociedad frontman Isak once again after his star turn in last Sunday's 2-1 win over Wolves at St. James' Park.

The 23-year-old headed home United's opener last time out before substitute Miguel Almirón - another player who is pushing for a start against Steve Cooper's men - bagged the winner with just over ten minutes left.

The Magpies boss was quizzed on injury concerns, form and a pair of familiar faces in the Forest ranks at Thursday morning's media briefing.

Here are some of the main topics up for discussion at the club's Benton training centre:

On Isak and his impact in last weekend's win...

"As I said before he got the concussion, he was in really, really good form in training and I was desperate to see him execute that on the pitch, and I felt he did that against Wolves. I thought he was outstanding in every respect. Physically he was very very good, technically very good, and his goal... I still enjoy watching that even now, a week after. Hopefully it's the start of a really good run for him.

"I think he's a different player to anyone we have in the squad. He has really good versatility to his game - I think he could do a bit of everything, which is a great asset for us to have in our frontline. I think he brings a different dimension, but every player has their own strengths and uniqueness which makes the team slightly different."

On his side's injury concerns ahead of the trip to newly-promoted Forest...

"Similar to last week - we've got a couple of knocks. (It was an) intense game last week, really intense physically, so we've been managing and nursing a few players. We'll wait and see who's fit.

"Nothing major, hopefully. A few players have missed training this week but we hope to have the majority of players available."

On the five players he brought into the Newcastle line-up last Sunday...

"The lads that came in did really well - (they) gave a really good account of themselves. I've always said competition for places is key to sustaining consistent results. I think we have that within the squad when everyone's fit (but when) we don't have everyone in that position the squad is quite light in terms of bodies, but hopefully we've got enough."

On introducing Callum Wilson and Miguel Almirón from the bench against Wolves, and the importance of rotating his side on occasion...

"I think it's vital that you have the opportunity to do that from time to time. It's a long season with cups and Premier League etc, and also the way that we play is demanding, as I've said before. We ask a lot of our players physically, so it's nice to be able to pull someone back, give them a chance to reset and then bring them back into the team.

"Everyone will have their own opinions, of course, on the team, and when you bring a player out for their own physical needs, sometimes that can be over-hyped. But for me, it's just a natural process of the season."

On former Magpies Jonjo Shelvey and Chris Wood, who left Tyneside for the City Ground in January...

"Both players were so highly regarded by us, players and staff. Jonjo last year and Chris played huge roles in keeping us in the league in a really difficult moment for the football club. I thought both players really stood up and excelled.

"That's not forgotten by me or anyone connected with the club, I'm sure. They both left with our best wishes and we were very thankful for the contribution they gave the club."