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Anthony Gordon has established the atmosphere for Monday's explosive clash with Liverpool by declaring the Alexander Isak saga cannot "break" Newcastle.
The winger, who faces his boyhood club as the main striker on Monday, was targeted by the Reds last year but ultimately remained at St. James' Park. After regaining his concentration and form, Gordon will be aiming to defeat Liverpool in what promises to be an emotionally charged and deafening bank holiday spectacular.
Isak's hesitancy to represent the club following Liverpool's interest has dominated discussions on Tyneside, but Gordon, speaking to BBC Newcastle, commented before the match: "It has been a difficult summer, but you wouldn't have thought it the way we performed, and that is testament to all the players and staff.
"We are progressing, and I feel like you are seeing the togetherness around the team. Our main strength is togetherness, and nothing is going to break that.
"Every challenge that comes at us is only going to make us better."
Encounters between Newcastle and Liverpool typically don't require additional motivation, but the Isak circumstances have already elevated tensions to unprecedented heights.
Gordon required no reminder of the fierce battle awaiting at St. James' Park in the Premier League as Newcastle seek to begin with a victory on home soil.
Gordon said: "I think with everything that's gone, I'm sure the atmosphere's going to be a bit wild.
"I'm just excited to see the home fans again, get back in the stadium. It's going to be a top game."
The former Everton star is set to be Newcastle's primary offensive force through the centre, and his role has been a hot topic ahead of tonight's match.
When asked if Gordon, who gave Aston Villa a tough time in last week's 0-0 draw, could even begin to consider stepping into Isak's shoes, head coach Eddie Howe responded: "I don't think anyone can fill Alex's boots and Anthony will know that himself.
"He's not trying to be Alex; he's got to be himself.
"I think if he'd scored against Aston Villa, you'd go, 'That's the perfect number nine performance.' I think he had seven shots in the game, he looked a threat, and he got a man sent off.
"He was using his qualities, which are his pace and his dribbling skills, so I thought it was a really good performance from him.
"Yes, of course, we were missing the goal from the team's overall performance, but hopefully those will come."
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