Eddie Howe names the Newcastle player who has trained ‘especially’ well this week

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After a disappointing defeat to West Ham, there is competition for places at Newcastle United.

Newcastle’s 2-0 loss to West Ham was one of those nights where none of Eddie Howe’s players really did themselves justice. It was a poor team performance overall from Newcastle United, with so many players in black and white failing to deliver.

On the night, Newcastle had a very strong bench, with Howe suddenly boasting the kind of squad depth he has been craving.

A lot of players are pushing to get into the starting XI. Kieran Trippier will want his place back from Tino Livramento, while Callum Wilson knows his best chance of scoring goals is by starting games.

Eddie Howe shares training ground update on Sandro Tonali

Then there is Sandro Tonali, the £55million midfielder who has started the Magpies’ last four games on the bench.

He is Newcastle’s second most expensive signing ever, yet is struggling to force his way into Eddie Howe’s starting XI.

However, Tonali is doing all he can behind the scenes, and the Newcastle United manager has told the Chronicle that the 24-year-old has performed very well in training ahead of the Crystal Palace game.

“Sandro’s been good,” he said.

“He’s trained really well, especially this week. He did really well against Forest when the game was in the balance. He played a big part in moving the game towards us.

“He’s doing himself no harm in training.”

Tonali selection will depend on Bruno Guimaraes’ injury

Howe has been impressed with Tonali’s efforts in training this week, as he pushes to start against Crystal Palace.

However, that may depend on Bruno Guimaraes’ injury.

Howe has stated that Bruno has a chance of playing against Palace, after the Brazilian sustained a glute problem during the defeat to West Ham.

The 27-year-old has avoided a serious injury, and could be involved at Selhurst Park.

If Bruno is fit to start, it feels likely that Tonali will remain on the bench. That is a blow for the Italy international, who must be desperate to make up for lost time after his 10-month ban.

He is doing all he can behind the scenes, and Howe is recognising his effort. However, it still may not result in him returning to the Newcastle starting XI.