Eddie Howe says 24-year-old Newcastle player has been amazing in training before Borussia Dortmund game

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Eddie Howe is pondering whether or not he should make any changes to his Newcastle United team for the Champions League clash with Borussia Dortmund.

The team he picked on Saturday put Crystal Palace to the sword, with Newcastle winning 4-0 in the Premier League tie.

But this is the Champions League, and Howe might be tempted to tweak his starting lineup.

One likely change should see Alexander Isak return to the starting XI in place of Callum Wilson, despite the 31-year-old netting Newcastle’s fourth goal against Palace.

Isak has started the Magpies’ previous two Champions League games, and looks likely to return to the side against Borussia Dortmund, who are one of his former employers.

And Eddie Howe has admitted that the Sweden international has looked really good in training ahead of the game at St James’ Park.

Eddie Howe is delighted with Alexander Isak right now

Howe has spoke to the media ahead of the game against Borussia Dortmund, and discussed how good Isak has looked in training as of late.

“For me, I’m really pleased with where he’s at,” he said.

“I’m really pleased with the West Ham game – his last start for us. I thought he was outstanding.

“Then he picked up a slight groin problem but I think he’s back to full fitness, fingers crossed. He’s trained really well in the buildup to this game.

“I’m delighted with where his career is at and where his performances have been for us.”

Isak to lead the line for Newcastle in the Champions League

It is great to hear that Isak is back to full fitness. He was forced off with a groin issue against West Ham, which then led to him withdrawing from the Sweden squad during the international break.

The 24-year-old made a brief cameo off the bench on Saturday, and it sounds like he is ready to be a starter once again.

That is great news, as Isak is our top scorer this season. He has got seven goals in all competitions, two more than Wilson. They are getting the best out of each other once again, just like they did last season.

However, the club record signing is yet to score in the Champions League for the Magpies. Hopefully that changes on Wednesday night when Isak faces his former club.