Newcastle United defender Matt Targett has not started a Premier League game since September, and has now admitted that the past few months have been ‘difficult’.
It has been a really frustrating season for Targett, who has had limited impact during what has been a sensational campaign for Newcastle.
The Magpies made it to a cup final and are competing for a place in the Champions League, but the 27-year-old has spent most of the season either on the bench or injured.
He lost his place in the side to Dan Burn back in October, with the local lad starting every Premier League game since the win against Fulham at Craven Cottage.
Targett has had to watch from the sidelines, then suffered a heel injury which hindered his season further. The £15million man is fully fit now, but is still yet to start a competitive game since November.
Matt Targett remains professional despite Newcastle struggles
The left-back has now spoke to the Chronicle about his situation, and accepts the manager’s decision not to recall him to the starting XI.
“The manager makes the decision that’s best for the team,” he said.
Whenever he’s called on me I’ve always been ready to do my best for the team and if he decides to pick me on Sunday (against Spurs) I will do my best to help the team get a win.
“The last few months have been difficult but I understand what’s been going on. Obviously, the injury didn’t help.
“That was a big setback. Then the team have been doing unbelievably so you know it’s hard to change a winning team.
“At the moment we’ve got the best defensive record in the league so I know it’s hard for me to get back in but I’ve been as professional as I can so I will just hard work to show the manager I’m ready.”
His chance could come on Sunday
While Targett understands Howe’s decision to stick with an unchanged back four, it feels like a change could be on the horizon.
Newcastle were really poor against Aston Villa, and our defence was stretched like never before. Burn in particular struggled, which led to Targett coming on to play the final 20 minutes.
That could be a sign of things to come this weekend, where Targett will be hoping to start his first Premier League game of 2023. It would be welcome change, as Saturday’s performance was certainly worrying.
Howe will be tempted to make changes for the visit of Tottenham, and that could give Targett the opportunity he has been waiting patiently for.
Receive a digest of our best Newcastle content each week direct to your mailbox
