Gabby Agbonlahor has sent a message to Matt Targett on Instagram, after the Aston Villa defender made his debut for loan side Newcastle on Tuesday night. Targett was superb as Newcastle secured a 3-1 win over Everton.
Targett, 26, was the only one of Newcastle’s three latest signings to start on Tuesday night – with Bruno Guimaraes and Dan Burn on the bench. The left-back was solid, but also provided attacking quality going forward.
An own goal from Mason Holgate and efforts from Ryan Fraser and Allan Saint-Maximin secured all three points for the Toon – despite an own goal from Jamaal Lascelles. A brilliant start to Targett’s Newcastle spell.
A loyal servant to Villa since joining the club in the summer of 2019 from Southampton, Targett could still have a future with the Midlands club. The defender posted on Instagram after his debut for Eddie Howe’s side.
Agbonlahor to Targett: Newcastle loanee unavailable to face Villa
While it is not confirmed, the chances are that Villa have instructed Newcastle that Targett would not be allowed to play against his parent club – which is the norm. It means Newcastle will have to use someone else.
That might be an issue. Paul Dummett and Matt Ritchie are both injured, and Jamal Lewis has not been included in the club’s 25-man squad. It might mean that Dan Burn is used on the left side of the defence.
Agbonlahor responded to Targett on Instagram, hoping he takes the weekend off after his excellent Toon debut – when they do battle with Villa. Isaac Hayden and more were also full of praise for Targett.
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