Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe says that Lloyd Kelly has done himself no harm when it comes to his thinking for the opening Premier League game against Southampton.
Kelly, who got 45 minutes under his belt in Tokyo last night, has shrugged off fitness concerns to make himself available to Howe after a tricky summer. Kelly suffered three different injuries last season with AFC Bournemouth and now has an eye on starting in the first top-flight clash against the Saints.
Howe told Chronicle Live: “I believe so [in with a shout for opener], and I thought he did well. A composed debut. I was pleased for him. I was pleased with certain aspects. Certain individuals did very well but team wise today I thought we were off where we have been.”
But Howe will not let some things lie after watching his side lose 2-0 to Yokohama F. Marinos last night after a sluggish display. He stated after the game: “It was a good test for us, a difficult game, as the day was as well.
“They were very good opposition. I thought we started brightly today and then faded after we conceded, so lots of stuff to work on and improve. We are disappointed with the result of course but at the moment I’m pleased, hopefully, that we’ve come through with no injuries.”
When asked what frustrated him the most in Tokyo, Howe said: “We didn’t do well enough to cause their goal more harm. In terms of the heat, very very difficult to play in and that’s been the unique thing about this trip for us having to train and play in that humidity.”
Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe says that Lloyd Kelly has done himself no harm when it comes to his thinking for the opening Premier League game against Southampton.
Kelly, who got 45 minutes under his belt in Tokyo last night, has shrugged off fitness concerns to make himself available to Howe after a tricky summer. Kelly suffered three different injuries last season with AFC Bournemouth and now has an eye on starting in the first top-flight clash against the Saints.
Howe told Chronicle Live: “I believe so [in with a shout for opener], and I thought he did well. A composed debut. I was pleased for him. I was pleased with certain aspects. Certain individuals did very well but team wise today I thought we were off where we have been.”
But Howe will not let some things lie after watching his side lose 2-0 to Yokohama F. Marinos last night after a sluggish display. He stated after the game: “It was a good test for us, a difficult game, as the day was as well.
“They were very good opposition. I thought we started brightly today and then faded after we conceded, so lots of stuff to work on and improve. We are disappointed with the result of course but at the moment I’m pleased, hopefully, that we’ve come through with no injuries.”
When asked what frustrated him the most in Tokyo, Howe said: “We didn’t do well enough to cause their goal more harm. In terms of the heat, very very difficult to play in and that’s been the unique thing about this trip for us having to train and play in that humidity.”
