Martin Keown now says Newcastle have an ‘outstanding’ player who has been ‘held back’ long enough

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Newcastle United have big competition for places in certain areas of the squad.

Indeed, while it would no doubt be nice to see Newcastle go out and strengthen their squad even further this summer, Eddie Howe is blessed with options in at least some areas.

Will Osula may be young and unproven but finally provides an alternative to Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson up front.

The imminent return of Sandro Tonali, meanwhile, is believed to have convinced sporting director Paul Mitchell that no new signing in midfield is required. Then, there’s the five goalkeepers in the first-team squad to consider…

Though the options at centre-back and at right-wing arguably leave a lot to be desired, other defensive positions are well-stocked.

Lewis Hall, Lloyd Kelly, Dan Burn, Jamal Lewis and Matt Targett can all operate at left-back.

Tino Livramento, of course, edged the battle with Kieran Trippier for a starting berth against Southampton last time out.

The former Saints star has frequently been talked up by Howe, amid Trippier’s uncertain future at the club.

Now, pundit Martin Keown has shared his thoughts on the battle to be Newcastle’s starting right-back.

Martin Keown says Tino Livramento has been held back for long enough at Newcastle

The former Arsenal and England defender believes the time could be right to see Livramento replace Trippier as Newcastle’s starting right-back, regardless of whether the latter leaves the club or not this summer.

• READ MORE: Who is Kieran Trippier? Age, height, family, net worth

“He’s [Trippier] found Livramento is an outstanding talent, who has been held back really for long enough,” he told talkSPORT at 11:53am BST on 23/08/2024.

Eddie Howe still wants to keep Kieran Trippier

Trippier admitted last season his form had dropped and, at 33, isn’t getting any younger.

Still, Howe reportedly still sees a value in keeping him around.

There have been suggestions that the Newcastle boss has told Trippier he needs him in the squad for the season ahead, despite removing him as team captain.

If he does stay, Trippier and Livramento are going to have some battle for a starting berth…