Eddie Howe seriously impressed with 25-year-old Newcastle player yesterday

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Like many Newcastle United fans Eddie Howe was very pleased with Harvey Barnes’ St James’ Park debut yesterday.

Harvey Barnes bagged two goals on his home debut against Villarreal yesterday and already has Newcastle fans talking about him hitting double figures for goals this season.

Given that Barnes managed 13 goals last campaign in a struggling Leicester City side, and now that he already has two goals for his new club, it’s a pretty safe bet that Barnes will hit double figures for Newcastle in the new season.

Howe says Barnes is “quick, dynamic and direct”

Eddie Howe brought in Barnes to unlock more creativity up front and to chip in with goals and in the short time we’ve seen him in Newcastle colours, I think we can safely say he’s going to do just that.

Speaking to NUFC TV after the Villarreal game, Eddie Howe heaped praise on Barnes saying: “Yeah, delighted for Harvey because I think you want to make a good first impression, especially here and he did that today. He looked quick, dynamic and direct. Took his goals superbly well, so really pleased. A good day for him.”

Quick, dynamic and direct – exactly what we needed. Someone who can keep up alongside Alexander Isak and deliver the ball when and where needed.

Barnes could go on to be the star of Newcastle’s season if yesterday is anything to go by. It wasn’t just his goals, but his constant running. His effort and work-rate were on display for all to see, showing that he’s already bought into the whole “intensity is our identity” vibe at the club.

Barnes will play his way into Gareth Southgate’s England squad

Anthony Gordon is set for a tough battle with Barnes this season for who gets to occupy that left flank. I’d say Barnes is currently in the lead, but Gordon isn’t far behind. Plus Gordon can plan on the right or through the middle, so he’ll not be sweating too much.

With a few Premier League games under his belt for Newcastle it surely won’t be long before Barnes is adding to his single England cap.

Having Kieran Trippier and Callum Wilson in the side means Gareth Southgate will have to pay more attention to Newcastle, and that can only be a good thing for Harvey Barnes, Anthony Gordon and Joe Willock who are all more than capable of placing themselves into Southgate’s thoughts if he starts picking the squad on merit rather than playing favourites.