Eddie Howe was blown away by 29-year-old Newcastle player against Fulham

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Eddie Howe has revealed that he was very impressed with one Newcastle United player’s performance against Fulham which went somewhat under the radar.

Emil Krafth was thrown in the deep end yesterday as he was forced to come off the bench for Newcastle in the first half after an injury to Fabian Schar.

In an interview with BBC Newcastle, Howe was full of praise for the defender for his resilience and incredible character to play so well after so long out.

Howe says Krafth was ‘absolutely huge’ against Fulham

For what was only his fifth appearance of the season after recovering from an ACL injury that had kept him out for a year, Krafth was unbelievable for Newcastle yesterday.

The Magpies were once again struck down by injuries as both Schar and Joelinton left the game in the first half, but their substitutes in Krafth and Lewis Miley were key to breaking down Fulham and winning the game 3-0.

Not only did the 29-year-old look solid defensively, but he was also making some brilliant runs down the right-hand side to support the attackers and trying to find that opening goal.

With Kieran Trippier missing through suspension, there was a worry that Newcastle would lack that experience and leadership at the back, but Krath did very well to fill in for the England international.

After the game, Howe couldn’t praise Krafth enough for what he’s been through and to come back to Newcastle and just slot right in against Fulham.

In his interview, Howe said: “What an attitude. He never, ever lets you down. He’s always ready. I can’t speak highly enough of him from the season when we stayed up, my first season – I thought he was absolutely huge for us. What a comeback he’s made.”

Krafth can still be a key player for Newcastle this season

The injury crisis has massively affected Newcastle’s season, but there have been a few players who have emerged as being very handy options for Howe throughout the season.

Both Krafth and Miley likely would not have got much of a chance to impress this year if it wasn’t for injuries forcing them into the team, but the pair have played very well in all the games they’ve appeared in.

Krafth’s first start back after his injury came in the 3-0 win over Manchester United in the Carabao Cup and the Swedish international hardly put a foot wrong.

With his performance against Fulham to add to that, Howe at least knows that he can rely on the £5m signing in the future if injuries once again force him into the team.