Callum Wilson is playing like a man possessed.
The 31-year-old Newcastle forward bagged a record haul of eight goals in the month of April, outscoring a certain Erling Haaland.
Not since Demba Ba has a Newcastle player hit 15 goals in a season and, impressively, his recent efforts have been coming from the bench.
Half of his goals in April came after he was brought on by Eddie Howe, who also has an in-form Alexander Isak to choose from as the club chase Champions League football.
Wilson’s brace against Southampton underlined his ability to change the game. Without him, Liverpool’s recent surge would be a lot more daunting for Newcastle in the battle for the top four.
Still, Wilson has made it clear he does not want to be seen as an impact substitute.
Eddie Howe confirms talks with Callum Wilson
Indeed, Howe has confirmed he has held discussions with the forward as to his current role.
The England forward has made little secret of his desire to reclaim his starting position and Howe has lifted the lid on a behind the scenes talk with Wilson.
“We’ve had discussions and talks, but there’s been no bending the ear,” Howe said of Wilson (via The Chronicle).
“I know he’s desperate to play every minute of every game.
Where else could Wilson have it this good?
It is of course understandable that Wilson wants regular game time.
The £20m forward has, barring some poor post-World Cup form, always been a regular source of goals for Newcastle.
Still, rotation can only be expected. Isak cost a club-record fee and has impressed during his first Premier League season, so it’s hardly out of the question for Howe to plump for the Swede.
Where else could Wilson have it this good?
At 31 and with a worrisome injury record, it’s hard to imagine another club pushing for Champion League football coming in for him.
Rotation is something Wilson simply has to accept.
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