Matt Targett has been on the fringes at Newcastle United this season, but Dan Burn believes that is going to change.
After a successful loan spell, Targett became a permanent Magpie last summer. He would have had visions of being a regular starter, and that looked likely to be the case at the start of the season.
However, the 27-year-old lost his place in the side due to illness, with Burn stepping in. With the local lad playing so well, Targett was never able to win back his place in Howe’s team.
He has also suffered with injury too, making a tricky year for Targett all the more frustrating. However, Burn cannot speak highly enough of his teammate, and has admitted that he has been brilliant behind the scenes.
And he is also expecting the former Aston Villa man to play a lot more next season.
Dan Burn is ‘sure’ Matt Targett will play more for Newcastle next season
Burn has spoke to the Athletic about each member of the Newcastle United squad, and heaped praise on Targett.
“A very, very good player who could easily be playing every week,” he said.
“He’s another one who’s very unlucky, just with the way it happened for him at the start of the season — he was ill, I came in at left-back and that’s been the way it is ever since.
“He’s been great with me. I’ve been in teams where, if there’s someone playing in your position, it might be difficult, but Matty has only been class. We talk about who we’re playing at the weekend and he always shares advice.
“He’s got a wand of a left foot and I’m sure he’s going to play a lot more games for us — especially with the amount we’ll have next season.”
That might depend on who arrives this summer
Targett has started five Premier League games this season, and will hope to make it six against Chelsea on Sunday.
With Newcastle now in the Champions League, Eddie Howe’s squad is going to be stretched. With more games set to be played, he will most certainly need to rotate more.
That should create an opening for Targett, who has had to watch on while Burn plays brilliantly. He has not kicked up a fuss though, and has actually helped out his Toon teammate. That just sums up the brilliant team spirit that Howe has created.
But while Burn thinks Targett will play more next season, that might depend on what happens in the transfer market. A new left-back is going to be targeted, with Kieran Tierney expected to sign for Newcastle. He would almost certainly be a starter if he moves to St James’ Park, further limiting Targett’s chances of featuring.