Howe should show faith in Newcastle talent where Bruce didn’t

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The hard work starts now for Eddie Howe at Newcastle United.

The 43-year-old was confirmed as the new manager by the club earlier this week, and he has already overseen a couple of training sessions with his new players.

He also spoke to the media for the first time yesterday at his unveiling.

Fans have generally been impressed with the way Howe has come across so far.

Ultimately though, it’s about improving performances, getting results and moving up the Premier League table.

Howe has nine games before the winter transfer window opens, and it’s on him to improve a crop of players that have been underperforming.

One wonders how many changes Howe will make to his starting XI, and if he will change formation.

It is also interesting to think about whether or not he will turn to the academy.

Currently, one Newcastle youngster is really shining at the club.

Dylan Stephenson was on target once again on Tuesday night.

He scored in a 6-3 defeat to Mansfield Town for the U21s, which was his 10th goal of the season.

It was a brilliant off-the-ball run from the right from Stephenson that allowed him to collect a through ball before finishing confidently.

He has been in red-hot form this season, and perhaps if Howe is looking to really shake things up he could turn to the talented youngster and start taking him to matchdays.

Stephenson to get first-team involvement under Howe?

In September it was reported that Steve Bruce had promoted Stephenson to his first-team squad.

That was to provide a bit of cover for the injured Callum Wilson.

But he didn’t make any first-team matchday squads.

Perhaps Howe will see Stephenson as more than mere filler for when senior players pick up injuries.

The first-team haven’t won a game yet this season and we are now in mid-November.

Changes have to be afoot, and drafting in Stephenson to have more involvement may not be the worst move.

It would be a risk given he is still only 18. But, if anything, it is something that could push the seniors to improve.