Newcastle star says he’d like to play more regularly – but understands Eddie Howe’s decision
Newcastle United now have the kind of squad many around Europe would envy.
While the start of Newcastle’s Champions League campaign threatened to place a much greater strain on Eddie Howe’s resources, that was not at all obvious on Sunday.
Indeed, they put eight past a woeful Sheffield United side at Bramall Lane only days after a draining draw away at AC Milan.
Howe was able to rotate his entire front three for the game, albeit he was forced into an early change following Harvey Barnes’ injury, with the winger making way for Anthony Gordon.
That rotation, however, is something players are going to have to get used to.
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Callum Wilson admits rotation is frustrating
Particularly for Callum Wilson.
Statistically one of the most prolific players to have ever pulled on a black and white shirt in the Premier League era, Wilson started in Sheffield after coming on against Milan.
Asked about the rotation policy after the game, the striker admitted it was “frustrating”.
“Frustrating at times, especially when you have scored,” he told Sky Sports.
“You want to get a bit of momentum going. But you understand the reasoning and all you can do is respond to that and get the goal when you have the opportunity to.”
Wilson will have to get used to it
Having been Newcastle’s most regular source of goals in the pre-takeover, it’s only natural Wilson would take time getting used to this kind of policy.
Still, keeping a player over the age of 30 with an already troublesome injury record fresh by way of rotation seems a wise decision.
Howe needs both Wilson and Alexander Isak firing if the team are going to challenge across a number of fronts. If the only way to do that is by making difficult decisions, then so be it.
If both stay in the goals, little harm is done.
