Anthony Gordon is yet to start for Newcastle United, but Eddie Howe is very excited about what the winger can do between now and the end of the season.
Howe has been speaking ahead of Newcastle’s clash with Manchester City, and addressed Gordon who is available once again after being cup-tied for the Carabao Cup final at Wembley. The 22-year-old had to watch on from the stands as his teammates lost 2-0 at Wembley.
Now Gordon can play again, and will be hoping to be involved at the Etihad Stadium. The winger has made three substitute appearances since his £45million move from Everton, and has looked likely in each of them.
However, that elusive first start continues to allude him, although we predict it could come this weekend at Miguel Almiron’s expense.
Whether he starts this weekend or not, Howe believes that Gordon has an important role to play during the rest of the campaign.
Eddie Howe ‘excited’ about Anthony Gordon
Ahead of the game against Manchester City, Howe has spoke to the media and commented on Gordon’s progress since joining Newcastle.
“He’s [Gordon] got a big part to play,” Howe said.
“He’s been working hard in the background because when he came to us he was a little bit short of high end fitness so we’ve done that work with him.
“I’m really excited about what he can do in the rest of the season.”
Big second half of the season for Gordon
Newcastle have looked fatigued in recent weeks, with Howe lacking options to shuffle his pack. But the January arrival of Gordon has changed that, and he is now reaching the fitness levels that Howe wants him at.
The Toon boss has spoke very highly of the youngster, and believes he can have a real impact in the remaining 15 games this season. Each one is very important for Newcastle, as they go in search of Champions League qualification.
Goals have been an issue of late, with Newcastle struggling in the final third. That is something Gordon can change – starting this weekend against Manchester City.
The Scouser has the speed to cause Pep Guardiola’s side real problems on the break, and will hopefully come into the starting XI. He will be chomping at the bit to make his first start, and should come in for one of Howe’s tiring stars.
Howe thinks he has a big part to play, and hopefully that is the case.