Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe will go head-to-head with a manager he believes should be considered one of the game's greats as he prepares to lock horns with Jose Mourinho.

The 62-year-old Portuguese takes his Benfica side to St James' Park, where his mentor Sir Bobby Robson remains such a favourite, in the Champions League on Tuesday ready to resume hostilities with Howe.

Mourinho's 26-trophy haul as a boss includes three Premier League titles, four League Cups, an FA Cup and the Europa League during his spells with Chelsea and Manchester United , and Howe has no doubts over the former Inter Milan and Real Madrid supremo's standing in the English game.

Asked if Mourinho should be considered one of the all-time greats, the 47-year-old Howe said: "I think you have to.

See Full Page