'I'm a big admirer of Semenyo' – Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe

Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has expressed his admiration for Manchester City's new signing Antoine Semenyo, acknowledging the forward as a "very, very good player" ahead of their crucial Carabao Cup semi-final first leg on Tuesday, January 13.

Howe, whose team faced Semenyo in the Premier League while the Ghanaian was at AFC Bournemouth, commended Manchester City for their acquisition of the 26-year-old, who joined in a £64 million deal.

"Antoine's had an incredible season. I'm a big admirer of his and he scored on his debut, so fair play to him," Howe stated in a pre-match press conference, according to ESPN. "I think Man City have signed a very, very good player."

Semenyo announced his arrival at the Etihad Stadium with an immediate impact, scoring one goal and providing an assist in Manchester City's record-equalling 10-1 FA Cup victory over Exeter City on his debut. The performance earned him the Man of the Match award and highlighted the qualities that prompted City's significant investment.

The forward is expected to be eligible and in contention to feature against Newcastle in the cup tie, despite having played in the earlier rounds of the competition for Bournemouth, setting up a direct test for Howe's defence.

The Newcastle manager's public praise underscores the threat he believes Semenyo poses as his team prepares to host the Premier League champions in a high-stakes encounter at St James' Park.