Eddie Howe about to get ruthless as ‘hidden gem’ returns to training
SportByLee RyderChief Newcastle United Writer
3 – 4 minutes
Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe could soon have another midfield selection headache at his disposal.
Howe goes into the encounter at Fulham knowing he must leave somebody deeply disappointed when it comes to his midfield three. Sandro Tonali and Joe Willock are pushing hard to play against the Cottagers with Sean Longstaff, Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton named to start against Wolverhampton Wanderers, a selection quickly altered to set up the 2-1 win at Molineux.
The Toon head coach now has Lewis Miley back in training and could welcome him back either side of the October international break. Howe said: “He’s doing well, he’s back on the grass, it is great to see him with his boots on. The first time was last week. He’s on track I’d say for the three months he was given initially, I don’t see any big change from that.”
Last season 18-year-old Miley proved to be a hidden gem for Newcastle and despite injury turmoil within the squad, the Stanley teenager was able to step up and deal with life on the big stage before landing a bumper new contract.
Howe dropped a small hint on his selection after the victory in Wolverhampton and said: “I was really pleased with Sandro and Joe.” And he admits with his squad nearing full fitness, he has genuine options now after an injury-ravaged campaign last time around: “We made changes to the team that played against Tottenham. They were tactical because every game is very different and I have to find what I believe is the best way to win the next game.
“It’s no reflection on the players that came out, but the most important thing is that the players respond in the right way because their best chance of playing in the next game is determined by how they perform on the pitch.”
One thing for sure, the stakes have been raised internally at Newcastle this season and it will be all eyes on the team sheet at Craven Cottage. Howe could be about to get ruthless with the head coach knowing only Premier League victories can extinguish any questions on boardroom power at St James’ Park now.
