Eddie Howe believes Newcastle United are now seeing the best of Sandro Tonali after the midfielder scored twice in a 3-1 win over Brentford.

Tonali bagged a first-half brace at St. James' Park on Wednesday as Newcastle eased into a second EFL Cup semi-final in three seasons.

The Italy international returned from a 10-month football ban in August and has recently found his stride in a deeper midfield position.

"It was great to see Sandro score the two that he did," Howe told BBC Sport after the routine win against a below-full-strength Brentford.

"We're starting to see the best of him. The tweak in position has definitely helped him; he is a lot more comfortable when he is deeper.

"He's showing all the qualities that we knew he had when we signed him. It is just about finding the right balance for him and the team."

Tonali, a big-money signing from Milan in July 2023, netted a long-range drive after nine minutes and volleyed in a second before half-time.

The 24-year-old registered 74 touches against Brentford and attempted 60 passes – both game-highs – completing all but four of those.

Fabian Schar tapped in a third for Newcastle that was assisted by Bruno Guimaraes before Yoane Wissa pulled one back in stoppage time.

"The midfield wins and loses you games," Howe added. "It goes without saying that it is such an important area of the pitch.

"It was good to see [Tonali], Bruno, Joelinton and Joe Willock all playing well today."

Newcastle, runners-up to Manchester United in the 2023 final, are now in Thursday's semi-final draw as they bid to end a 69-year wait for a major trophy.

Brentford have now lost eight of their past nine away meetings with Newcastle, meanwhile, and offered very little in this latest encounter.

Thomas Frank accepts his side, who were competing at this stage for the third time in five seasons, were simply second best on the day.

"We lost on the day to a better team. We can't concede three goals. That's the bit I'm very disappointed with," he told Sky Sports.

"We have to sort that out. In a difficult quarter-final, we can't concede three soft goals.

"Fair play to Newcastle because some were well worked. But if we want to progress to semi-finals, we need to do better."