Callum Wilson has been very vocal about no longer being a starter for Newcastle United, but it is not impacting his performances on the training ground.
That is the view of Newcastle manager Eddie Howe, who has admitted that Wilson has been performing brilliantly in training.
The number nine recently lost his place in the starting XI to Alexander Isak. Wilson was struggling at the start of the year, and was inevitably dropped to the bench for the game against Wolves.
Since then, the 31-year-old has only started one game. That was the 5-1 win over West Ham, where he scored a brace. However, it was not enough for him to retain his place in the side, much to his annoyance.
Wilson is having to watch on while Isak thrives up top. The super Swede now has double figures in his first season with Newcastle, despite enduring an injury hit season. He is fully fit now though, and keeping Wilson out of the team.
But while the former Bournemouth man has spoke about wanting to be a starter, he is doing his talking on the training pitch.
Eddie Howe delighted with Callum Wilson behind the scenes
Ahead of the game against Everton, Howe spoke to the media. He was asked about how Wilson has responded to being on the bench in recent weeks.
“He’s conducting himself very well, so there’s been no problem with his demeanour, his mood,” he said.
“But underneath that I can see he is fiercely determined to get his place back. I see a player that knows what he wants.
“He’s trained very well, I have to say. The first thing that I look for as manager is there’s loads of reactions you can give if you’re disappointed, upset and angry. The best response is to train to your best level and he’s done that and full credit to Callum.
“And that’s why he has come on the pitch and scored, because he’s been in a very good place mentally.”
Wilson excelling off the bench
While he is doing brilliantly in training, it is unlikely to force himself back into the starting lineup. His main issue is that Isak is simply playing too well.
Joelinton was given the man of the match award against Tottenham, but Alan Shearer believes it should have gone to the 23-year-old. He said Isak ‘ran the show‘ against Spurs.
For Wilson, he had to settle for a substitutes role, scoring his 11th goal of the season coming off the bench.
It is excellent to hear that he is performing incredibly well in training, and it shows when he comes on. He has had an impact off the bench on multiple occasions now, highlighting the depth that Howe suddenly has.
However, sooner or later Wilson will want to be a guaranteed starter once again.
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