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Eddie Howe says 22-year-old is smashing Newcastle fitness tests

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It has not taken long for a Newcastle United player to impress Eddie Howe this summer.

Newcastle‘s international stars reported for training on Friday, with the likes of Bruno Guimaraes and Callum Wilson returning ahead of the new season. There was also a debut appearance from Sandro Tonali, who met his new teammates for the first time.

The biggest surprise was seeing Anthony Gordon back at the training ground less than a week after winning the Under-21 European Championship with England.

It looked like the Toon 22-year-old would get an extended break, but he is already back ahead of what could be an exciting season on Tyneside.

In fact, manager Eddie Howe is already impressed with what he has seen from the £45million man.

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Eddie Howe is delighted with Anthony Gordon

Howe has spoke to the Northern Echo about Gordon’s return, and expressed how happy he is with the former Everton winger.

“I’m looking forward to working with Anthony,” he said.

“He did very well in the fitness tests as you’d expect because he hasn’t really had a break. He’s trained very well.

“I’m expecting big things for him this year and was really pleased with what he delivered for England. Amazing memories for him.”

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Big season for Gordon and Newcastle

Howe clearly has a lot of faith in Gordon. He does not hope the winger does well this season, he expects him to.

The early signs are promising, with Gordon reporting for training earlier than anticipated and already impressing the manager with his fitness levels.

The youngster has previously spoke about Howe’s physical demands, and it sounds like Gordon is rising to the challenge. That should really help him to impress this season.

It was a tough first six months on Tyneside for Gordon, but a bright summer with England has raised expectations. Fans can’t wait to see him in action, and Howe believes that big things are on the horizon.

That certainly looks like it will be the case, with Gordon already making a splash on the training ground despite only returning on Friday.