Eddie Howe has told Joe Willock to take his chance at Newcastle United when it comes.
Willock, once a prominent figure under Howe at Newcastle United, is struggling for game time.
The midfielder has played a total of 115 minutes so far this season, starting only one game in the process.
Even amid Howe’s rotation policy in the team, the 26-year-old cannot seem to get a run in the team together.
It’s hard to see where his next start is coming from, too. Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton form an impressive midfield unit and Lewis Miley has so far been first reserve.
Speaking ahead of the Nottingham Forest game on Sunday, Howe talked about what Willock needs to do next.
- Who is Joe Willock? All you need to know about the Newcastle United midfielder
Eddie Howe addresses Joe Willock’s lack of game time
The Newcastle United manager was asked about the latest regarding Willock.
He’s not come off the bench in the last three games, and a reporter told Howe his midfielder had looked “disconsolate” after a recent fixture.
“It would be the same of any player in his position,” he said.
“He needs to train well, fundamentally. Whenever a player is not playing as much as they want, they still have a window to impress me every day.
“And of course, when they play, when they get on the pitch, they’ve got to perform and grab every opportunity that comes their way to then get more minutes.”
Boost confirmed for Newcastle United but it’s bad news for Joe Willock
Howe has backed Willock this season, despite some criticism online.
Still, his absence is difficult to ignore. To not even come off the bench when Newcastle were cruising against Bradford in the Carabao Cup would suggest he has slipped down the pecking order.
Sadly for Willock, the competition for places is about to increase. Summer signing Jacob Ramsey will likely be available for Sunday’s clash against Forest, even if he’s not ready to start games yet.
It remains to be seen how Willock gets back into the fold. The sheer number of games Newcastle have to navigate in theory offers a chance but, thus far, he’s not really getting one.
Willock can still have a future at Newcastle but it’s going to take a lot of work to see him really pushing for a regular start.
Receive a digest of our best Newcastle content each week direct to your mailbox
