Eddie Howe says forgotten Newcastle man is ‘incredible’, impressing behind scenes

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Eddie Howe has told his Friday press conference – as per the Chronicle – that Newcastle United outcast Jamal Lewis is an “incredible athlete” and after sorting an injury issue, he is impressing in training despite a lack of game time.

Lewis, 24, has endured a difficult spell at Newcastle since completing a £15m move to the Toon under Steve Bruce. He has spent two and a half years on Tyneside, but has only managed 34 outings in all competitions for the Toon.

The 23-time Northern Ireland international has only been used twice this season. Once in the Premier League as a sub at Fulham, with Newcastle leading 4-1. The other, playing the second 45 of the 2-1 Cup win over Tranmere.

So, Lewis’ future is in the balance. However, the ex-Norwich man’s £50,000-a-week deal still has a decent amount left to run on it, until June 2025. Howe says he has sorted a pelvic issue and is now beginning to impress in training.

“Jamal is in a good place. When I first came in, he had injury problems. He had a problem with his pelvis where he went away and it got sorted. That was pivotal because he wasn’t feeling himself,” Howe said.

“In training and in games because he didn’t feel he execute physically what he wanted to do. He’s an incredible athlete, and now we’re seeing that in training because he’s feeling a lot more himself,” Howe continued on Friday.

Howe: Newcastle outcast Lewis is an incredible athlete after issue

Newcastle could do with another option on the left of the defence. Dan Burn has been exceptional at left-back but naturally, he is a centre-back. Matty Targett has been decent since joining from Villa, but hardly blown fans away.

Lewis has more speed than both Burn and Targett, and arguably, more potential in attack. At only 24, he is still young and if he can start to show Howe he deserves a chance – then he might be the latest player to improve.

Howe has improved a number of players since his arrival. Miguel Almiron, Joelinton, Fabian Schar, Joe Willock, Sean Longstaff and more have greatly improved following Howe’s appointment. Lewis could be the latest on that list.