Joe Willock should start on the Newcastle bench against Crystal Palace

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Summer signing Joe Willock made a brief but vital appearance in the 2-1 win over Leicester City. The Newcastle man played an important role in helping the Magpies grab a last gasp winner.

After Matt Targett got the better of James Justin in the defensive half, he played the ball down the line to Willock. The midfielder galloped down the pitch and into the Leicester box. His deflected cross found Bruno Guimaraes, who headed home the winner and sent St James’ Park crazy.

The 22-year-old missed the previous clash with Wolves through injury. But the energy and desire he showed when he came on against Leicester has given Eddie Howe something to think about.

In the starting XI or off the bench, Willock can offer a lot for Newcastle’s midfield

Howe will have a real selection dilemma on his hands. They take on Crystal Palace tonight, who, like the Magpies, are looking for a top-half finish this season.

Does the boss stick with the midfield three of Joeltinon, Jonjo Shelvey and Bruno Guimaraes? Or does Willock come in as a replacement for one of them?

Guimaraes has been highly influential in the last couple of Newcastle victories. The same can be said of Shelvey – every Toon victory this season has come when he’s started for them.

Should Howe opt to bring in Willock, it could be at the expense of Joelinton. However, that’s a tough call to make, as the Brazilian is also very important. He’s the only person to win more than 100 duels in the league since his switch to midfield.

The outcome could well be that Willock will be on the bench. Having said that, he can still be an influential player for the Magpies. His energy and his intent to make attacking runs could provide a useful alternative for Newcastle late in the game.

This would be the best choice all things considered. It would be just his second game after his return from injury. Whilst he probably is fit to play the full 90 minutes, they can afford to not take that risk.

And we’ve seen in the past how good Willock can be off the bench. It’s what earned him a permanent move to Newcastle.

Plus, it doesn’t seem fair to drop any of the midfield three that played against Wolves and Leicester. They’ve all warranted a place in the starting XI with their recent form.