Eddie Howe claims £12m Newcastle player has a major part to play this season as his fitness has improved

Add as preferred source on Google

Eddie Howe used his bench brilliantly as Newcastle United beat Wolves on Sunday.

The Newcastle United manager made a triple substitution at half time, with only one of those changes being enforced. Alexander Isak had to come off due to an eye problem, but the other two subs were tactical.

Sean Longstaff and Joelinton came off, and Joe Willock and Sandro Tonali came on. Willock put Joelinton under pressure with his performance, while Tonali added much needed class to the Newcastle midfield.

It was also a substitute that got the winner, with Harvey Barnes’ screamer completing an impressive comeback.

But Howe’s other two substitutes also played a part. Lloyd Kelly was Newcastle’s unsung hero in the final 10 minutes, while the Magpies massively improved when Kieran Trippier was introduced.

Kieran Trippier is still at Newcastle United despite asking to leave

It had felt likely that Trippier would start at Molineux, but it was Tino Livramento who got the nod. He has started every Premier League game so far, with Trippier’s only start this season coming in the Carabao Cup.

The 33-year-old’s demotion to deputy has come at a time when Trippier has asked to leave Newcastle United, with the defender eager to play regular football elsewhere.

However, he was denied a move away, and Eddie Howe has told the Northern Echo that Trippier is going to play a very important role for Newcastle this season.

• READ MORE: Who is Kieran Trippier? Age, height, family, net worth

What Eddie Howe has said about Kieran Trippier

“You can’t underestimate what Kieran gives you,” he said.

“A lot has been said about the substitutes at half time, and they all had a positive impact on the game, but when Kieran came on, you could just feel his quality, whether that was his quality on the ball or his set-play delivery.

“Whatever aspect of his game transfers to the team, it makes a positive difference. We felt stronger when he came onto the field, certainly when we had the ball.

“I’m delighted with him. He looks fitter, and mentally, I think he’s in a good place. He’s got such an important part to play for us this season.”

Trippier has put Livramento under pressure already

Howe was delighted with Trippier’s impact against Wolves, and so he should be. He added real quality and calmness on the ball, and played an important role in the Magpies coming from behind to win.

And with Howe admitting that Trippier is becoming much fitter after a summer that was disrupted by the Euros, there will soon be a temptation to start the former England international.

It is very much a squad game nowadays, and Howe showed that on Sunday by making great use of his bench. It was a luxury he did not have last season.

Newcastle are blessed with two outstanding right-backs in Livramento and Trippier, and the hope is that they will continue pushing each other. With Trippier doing so well in cameos against Wolves and Bournemouth, there is real pressure on Livramento to respond and prove that he should be the regular starter.

While he may have wanted to leave, it is great to still have Trippier at Newcastle United. He is an outstanding player and professional, and is someone who makes the Magpies better.

Howe is delighted to still have him, and expects the £12million man to become more and more influential as the season goes on.