Eddie Howe has not ruled out playing 32-year-old Newcastle star in new role

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The international break saw England manager Gareth Southgate move Newcastle United captain Kieran Trippier to the left side of defence.

While not the first time Kieran Trippier has filled the left-back role for England, it still raised a few eyebrows and had Newcastle fans in particular watching on with interest.

Newcastle recently coughed up £32million to bring 20-year-old right-back Tino Livramento from Southampton to learn from Trippier and take over the mantle.

Could Trippier play on Newcastle’s left to accommodate Livramento?

However, there was always a feeling that Trippier is undroppable – if he’s fit, he plays – so when would Livramento realistically get his chance?

After seeing Trippier acquitted himself well at left-back for England against Scotland in mid-week, journalists are now asking the question whether he can fill that role for his club.

Eddie Howe hasn’t ruled out the possibility, saying (via The Northern Echo): “Kieran’s a versatile player.

Howe has several options available now for squad rotation

“He’s played at left-back a number of times over the years, especially for England. Never say never – we’ll look at everything and try to pick what we think is the best team for each game.”

While it wasn’t exactly an admission that he will try Trippier on the opposite flank, it does leave the door open and it means we could see more of Livramento than perhaps we were expecting this season.

Of course, Eddie Howe also brough in Lewis Hall to play at left-back. He still has Dan Burn and Matt Targett at his disposal, so there are plenty of options available for Howe to cope with the fixture congestion caused by the Champions League.