Elanga's praise for Howe as Magpies prepare for Qarabağ | OneFootball

Howe's charges have beaten Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League and Aston Villa in the FA Cup in the past week, and now head to Baku to face Azerbaijani opponents in the Champions League knockout phase play-off first leg.

The encouraging sequence of results follows a dip in form for Newcastle, and Elanga - whose own displays have caught the eye in recent weeks - lauded the influence of the head coach who brought him to Tyneside from Nottingham Forest in the summer.

"He's given us so much confidence and he's helped each and every single one of us so much," said the Sweden international. "We know we haven't been perfect. We know there's times when we've played really well, and I think it's just the consistency part. If we can remain consistent, I'm sure results will go our way.

"Our recent two away games we've won, so it's just about building momentum. If we can just build on the performances in our recent games, I think we'll be fine.

"I think it's important that we continue to play for the manager, because he's done so much for us. He's helped us so much, so it's now up to us to continue to do what we've been doing recently, and just keep on letting the football do the talking."

As the Magpies seek momentum, Howe may again turn to Elanga to provide a spark at the Tofiq Bahramov Republican Stadium, with the 23-year-old having shown some promise on the flank after a tricky start to life at St. James' Park.

"I'm more focused on consistency, trying to build on it game by game," he explained. "I think it's important, first and foremost, that the team are winning and we're in a good position so far in the Champions League.

"Tomorrow's another test against Qarabağ - they're second in their league, and have done well in the Champions League. So for my part, I just focus on consistency. I know the rest will just come naturally."

Elanga insisted that he "wouldn't say I'm where I want to be just yet" in terms of performance level, though he has recently opened his Magpies account, netting a fine individual goal in the Carabao Cup semi-final defeat at Manchester City.

And he was quick to thank United supporters for their backing and faith in him since he penned a long-term deal with the club last July.

"It's amazing. I've said it since the beginning since I got here that Newcastle fans are the best in the world," he said.

"Their support is unprecedented. It's just unique to be part of. To hear them chant my name is always amazing.

"I always try to give my best any time I step onto the pitch. Hopefully I can see a load of them tomorrow as well."

Elanga has played in Azerbaijan twice before, during his time at Manchester United - the club he came through the ranks at.

He explained that he is "not surprised" by Tuesday's opponents' qualification for the play-off round after three wins and a draw from their eight league phase outings, and believes the clash with Gurban Gurbanov's men will be a stern test of their credentials as they bid to make it to the last 16.

"One result that caught my attention even more is when they beat Copenhagen here 2-0, and they drew to Chelsea as well, 2-2," Elanga added. "We know it's not going to be easy - no teams are that play in the team in the Champions League, because they can't play there. Every team in the Champions League is good.

"It's not going to be an easy test. But we're all focused, we've prepared really well, so we're ready for tomorrow."