JASON Tindall hailed Newcastle United’s players for a performance that put a smile on the face of their absent manager Eddie Howe after Sunday's 4-1 hammering of Manchester United.
Howe missed the game after he was admitted to hospital on Friday evening.
Newcastle said in a statement on Saturday that Howe was "conscious and talking with his family".
And while Tindall hasn't received an update on Howe's condition, the head coach was able to watch the game and sent his assistant a message after the Manchester United victory “congratulating him and the players on their performance and victory".
Tindall said Howe was "hugely missed" but was delighted the players put in a performance that the head coach "will be proud of".
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Tindall said he's "not sure" at this stage whether he'll still be in charge for Wednesday's game against Crystal Palace.
Newcastle climbed to fourth in the Premier League thanks to their dismantling of Manchester United, secured thanks to goals from Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimaraes and a Harvey Barnes brace.
Bruno dedicated the victory to Howe, and Tindall said: "I said to the players before the game we need a performance the manager would be proud of."
"I had a message from him just before I've come up to do the press congratulating the team and performance and work from everyone.
"He was able to watch the game and I'm sure that performance will put a smile on his face."
Asked whether he's had any update on Howe's condition, Tindall said: "No updates. I haven't really had the opportunity to speak to him properly."
He added: "I'm super proud of the players. I'm not surprised because we have a fantastic group and some great leaders within that.
"When the manager isn't there you have to step up individually and collectively and we did that. I'm really proud."
Howe took ill last week and was absent from the training ground for a number of days. Tindall addressed the media on Friday morning and at that stage Howe was expected to be in the dugout for Sunday's game.
But the head coach was then hospitalised on Friday evening, with Newcastle releasing an official statement on Saturday teatime.
The statement said: "Medical staff kept Eddie in hospital overnight for further tests, which are ongoing. He is conscious and talking with his family, and is continuing to receive expert medical care.
"Everyone at Newcastle United extends their best wishes to Eddie for a speedy recovery, and further updates will follow in due course."
Bruno dedicated the win to the absent head coach, saying afterwards: “When we went onto the pitch we said we were going to play for him.
“He has been part of our success. We have missed him in the training ground this week.
“Hopefully this win gives him a bit of happiness and we hope to see him back for the next game.”
The next press conference is scheduled for Tuesday morning ahead of Wednesday's game against Crystal Palace.
