Anthony Gordon and Anthony Elanga react to Sven Botman’s five-word message after Newcastle United return

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Sven Botman made a triumphant return to the Newcastle United squad on Saturday.

It was the first time fans had seen Botman in Newcastle’s first-team squad in 10 months. The Dutchman spent an extended period on the sidelines after sustaining an ACL injury in the Magpies FA Cup defeat to Manchester City in March.

Botman managed 91 minutes on his return to the squad but was thrown right into the deep end against a Tottenham Hotspur side that likes to play intense pressing football.

Fans got a glimpse of Botman in December when he appeared in a game for Newcastle’s under-21s alongside Lewis Miley – they should expect to see him in the squad more often after that performance.

It wasn’t perfect by any means, the 24-year-old needed to take part of the blame for Spurs’ goal which ended Martin Dubravka’s run of clean sheets after less than four minutes.

Thankfully, goals from Anthony Gordon and Alexander Isak secured all three points for the Magpies.

Following the win, Botman took to social media – he’ll be happy with the reception he got on there.

Newcastle stars praise Botman on social media

The Magpies stay fifth in the Premier League table as a result of the win – European football is the aim for Howe and after this run of form the chances of achieving that are more probable.

It’s six consecutive wins in all competitions for Newcastle who have put any thoughts of their slow start to the season to bed.

Botman took to Instagram to post a message on his return and the win.

It said: “Anything for this feeling again.”

Many Newcastle stars like Tino Livramento, Anthony Gordon and Jacob Murphy replied to the post with heart emojis.

Matt Targett commented “Great to see you back mate”

A comment sure to catch the eye of Toon fans is one from Anthony Elanga who replied with a flexing muscle emoji – it’s a small gesture but one that has the potential to send a fanbase into a frenzy.

Newcastle considered a move for Elanga in the summer with sporting director Paul Mitchell even placing a deadline-day bid for the Swede which was knocked back by Nottingham Forest where he remains now.

Newcastle retain interest in Elanga

Despite a move being knocked back in the summer, the Magpies haven’t given up on their chase for the 22-year-old who bagged an assist in Forest’s game against Everton on Saturday.

Recent reports suggest that Elanga could leave Forest if a club were to place a large bid for him.

The Magpies are looking increasingly likely to sell Miguel Almiron in January so there’s room on the right wing to improve.

Murphy’s form has been brilliant in recent weeks but Howe will be keen to add more quality to the position which he has lacked throughout his tenure at the club.