‘We knew’… Eddie Howe reacts as Will Osula makes Newcastle debut

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Newcastle United have a new striker on their hands.

While Alexander Isak will surely remain first choice at Newcastle for the season ahead, the Sweden international now has cover and competition.

Callum Wilson, albeit riddled by injury, remains a palpable goal threat in the Premier League. In an ideal world, he would be the back-up for Isak.

Still, the England international is already injured ahead of the new campaign, so the club turned to young Will Osula as a summer signing.

There is hope the 21-year-old will be able to develop nicely under Eddie Howe’s watch and the striker got life at St James’ Park underway on Saturday in the pre-season Sela Cup win over French side, Brest.

Though there will be tougher tests to come, the summer signing looked impressive on his debut and was unlucky to have had a goal ruled out due to a marginal offside call.

Now, Howe has shared some insight into his debut.

Eddie Howe reacts as Will Osula makes Newcastle debut

Reflecting on the striker’s showing, Howe in fact revealed Osula went into his debut having barely trained after arriving at the club with a concussion.

“He did really well when you consider when he joined us he hadn’t trained for seven or eight days with a concussion,” he told Newcastle World.

“We knew playing today he wasn’t at his peak physical condition.

“I thought he showed his qualities today and what he’s going to bring to the team, his pace, strength and took his goal really well – he was unlucky with the marginal offside. I think he’ll be really pleased with his efforts.”

Will Osula makes early impression on Newcastle fans

Sections of the support were delighted with Osula’s performance on Saturday, albeit with the caveat that pre-season games do not always offer an exact indication as to what’s to come.

Still, merely having a fresh option up front is a huge boost for Howe, who was sometimes forced into playing Anthony Gordon there given the injuries to Isak and Wilson last season.

With a reduced schedule to come, Isak will – at least in theory – have fewer chances to pick up injuries. Clearly, football is not an exact science, but the relative slowing in the number of games should afford Osula the chance to lean from the Swede and Wilson all while developing under Howe, while also being able to step in when necessary.

On paper at least, it looks like a good set-up.