Eddie Howe delighted with 21-year-old Newcastle youngster’s displays in training

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There’s one Newcastle United player who has really been impressing Eddie Howe in training in the last few weeks.

Newcastle dropped more points at home this weekend in a disappointing draw to Bournemouth, but it was a big day for Joe White who made his Premier League debut for the Magpies.

Speaking to NUFCTV, Howe claimed that he was very happy with how White had been training with the first-team squad and that the biggest compliment he could give the midfielder is that he didn’t look out of place.

Howe says young talent was ready to play for Newcastle

While it may not have been his preferred option to be relying on the likes of White and Lewis Miley coming into this season, Howe is pleased to see that the young talent at the club is getting some recognition.

It’s been a while since Newcastle had a whole host of academy graduates playing in the first team and its something that they can be proud of, though it’s come at a very difficult time for Howe with injuries.

White came on for the final 10 minutes in the game against Bournemouth and although he didn’t have time to make much of a contribution to the game, it will have been a beneficial experience regardless.

With some more big games coming up, especially the FA Cup fifth round tie against Blackburn, there’s a good chance this won’t be the last we see of White as he could have a big role to play in the final few months of the season.

Speaking on White, Howe said: “He’s come back from his loan spell and done really well. I’ve been really impressed with him in training he’s been fitting into the group really well. 

“He doesn’t look out of place which is a real statement and was the same for Lewis Miley when he first trained with the group. If you’re not out of place and you’re fitting in it means you’re premier league level.

“Joe’s really grown from his loan spell I think it’s really benefited him and delighted with his impact today because he’s earned my trust through his training and he’s taken his opportunity so delighted for him.”

Howe hoping he won’t have to rely on youth

All throughout this season Howe has been claiming that Miley has been playing far more minutes for Newcastle than he would have liked heading into the new campaign, but he’s not really had a choice in the matter.

Injuries to Joelinton, Joe Willock and Elliot Anderson and a suspension to Sandro Tonali has left the manager’s hands tied, but it has allowed for a special talent in Miley to be born.

The 17-year-old was again on top form against Bournemouth and Newcastle fans will be hoping something similar could happen with White as he gets more minutes, but Howe won’t want to be depending on them in big games.

Ideally he’d have his more reliable members of the squad leading the youngsters, but it’s not been a very straightforward season and the 46-year-old has had very little say in the team’s he’s put out this year.