Eddie Howe handed major dilemma as Newcastle United player squanders golden opportunity

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Eddie Howe suddenly has a selection dilemma at Newcastle United.

Ever since Newcastle United were knocked out of the FA Cup by Brighton, the starting XI has been picking itself.

The Magpies were unchanged for seven consecutive games, but that changed on Saturday as Newcastle beat Ipswich Town.

Joelinton missed the game due to a knee injury, and it remains to be seen how long he will be out of action for. In his absence, Joe Willock was handed an opportunity ahead of Lewis Miley and Sean Longstaff.

However, it is an opportunity that he did not take.

Joe Willock fails to seize Newcastle United opportunity

Willock struggled to have an impact on Saturday. It was a frustrating afternoon for the 25-year-old, who spent most of the first-half in a duel with Ipswich Town captain Sam Morsy.

By the 67th minute his afternoon was over, with Miley coming on to replace the £25million man.

You could see Willock’s frustration when his number went up, and there was no change in his body language when the Newcastle United players were filmed returning to the dressing room after an important victory.

With Joelinton injured, this was a big change for Willock.

Newcastle have four massive games remaining, as they aim to secure Champions League football. For Willock, it is an opportunity for him to help the Magpies get over the line and return to Europe’s elite competition.

But will the former Arsenal player to continue to get this opportunity? That is a decision that Howe must make, especially with Miley waiting in the wings.

Newcastle United midfielders must emulate Harvey Barnes

Whether Howe continues to pick Willock or turns to Miley or Sean Longstaff, one Newcastle United player will get the chance to do a Harvey Barnes.

The 27-year-old is enjoying the best run of his Toon career, having seized the opportunity that was given to him in the wake of Anthony Gordon’s suspension.

• READ MORE: Who is Harvey Barnes? Profile, Girlfriend, Dad, Salary, Socials

Since that moment, Barnes has not looked back. He is keeping Gordon out of the starting XI, with Barnes scoring key goals and providing vital assists.

After spending so long out of the starting XI, Barnes is making himself undroppable. He should serve as inspiration for the Newcastle midfielders that are vying to replace Joelinton.