Eddie Howe is paying tribute to the ‘excellent’ Sean Longstaff and says the revitalised Newcastle United midfielder stands out ‘every day’ in training for the Premier League outfit, speaking to The Chronicle.
Like Isaac Hayden, Ciaran Clark and co; Longstaff’s status at St James’ Park appeared to be coming under threat following that Saudi Arabian takeover, with the prospect of a high-profile, high-quality replacement taking his place.
So it’s testament to his spirit and determination, then, that a player who was linked with a summer move to the Championship just a couple of months ago is now one of the first names on Howe’s team-sheet.
Longstaff, the subject of a lowball £1 million bid from Everton in January, is thriving in a new role; given the freedom to burst forward by the controlling presence of Bruno Guimaraes behind him in Newcastle’s midfield.
“Sean has been excellent. He gives us a drive,” Howe says. “When he’s not there, we miss him. He’s got a very good attitude.
“He churns out the highest physical stats in training every day. You’ve got him, Miggy (Almiron), Joelinton; players like that make you a harder team to play against.”
Sean Longstaff one of Newcastle United’s most improved players
Longstaff, Joelinton and the seemingly unstoppable Almiron are all expected to start when in-form, Champions League chasing Newcastle travel to an eternally inconsistent Southampton side on Sunday afternoon.
“(Southampton is) always a difficult game,” adds the former Bournemouth boss. “I’ve got a lot of respect for Ralph (Hasenhuttl). He’s done a good job there over a long period of time. Difficult team to read as they change system and change personnel.
“I think they’ve had a few injuries to key players who look like returning who will give them a lift.”
Howe adds that Callum Wilson, scorer of two goals in the 4-0 thrashing of Aston Villa, is likely to be available despite suffering from a cold. Emil Krafth, Matt Ritchie and £60 million Alexander Isak, however, remain unavailable.
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