I just saw £13m Newcastle player become even more important without playing a single minute

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Not many Newcastle United players can take positives from the 2-0 defeat to West Ham United.

Newcastle were really poor against West Ham, as Eddie Howe’s side once again failed to win against a team they should be beating – especially if they have aspirations of qualifying for the Champions League.

The Magpies were a shadow of the team they were before the international break, despite Eddie Howe making just one change to the XI that beat Nottingham Forest.

That change saw Dan Burn replaced by Lloyd Kelly, with the Geordie defender serving a one-match suspension after picking up his fifth booking of the season.

Lloyd Kelly squandered his big Newcastle United opportunity

Heading into the game, there was hope that Lloyd Kelly could prove a point to Howe with his performance.

It would be the 26-year-old’s first Premier League start in the middle of defence since his arrival on a free transfer, and Kelly had already proven that centre-back is his best position in the cup.

However, Kelly endured a torrid night at St James’ Park.

He appeared to be the player at fault for West Ham’s opener, with Kelly losing Tomas Soucek and allowing the giant Czech to score with a free header.

There was an endless tussle with Michail Antonio, while you could also argue that Kelly was guilty in giving the Hammers too much space to score their second. However, he was not solely to blame.

As West Ham grew in confidence, Kelly looked progressively more shy. It was a disappointing night for the summer signing, as he blew his big chance to prove he should be a regular starter at centre-back.

Dan Burn must return against Crystal Palace

That means that Dan Burn is pretty much guaranteed to reclaim his place in the side on Saturday away to Crystal Palace.

The £13million man should return to the backline and take Kelly’s place at centre-back, as it is clear that he was a big miss against West Ham.

Aerially, Newcastle struggle without Burn. His height is a huge weapon, and his absence resulted in the Magpies conceding from a corner.

That is one of the reasons why Howe is always so keen to start Burn, while his leadership skills were also missed on Monday night.

Burn did not play a single minute against West Ham, yet his stock has actually risen. It will be great to have him back on Saturday at Selhurst Park.