Kieran Trippier has already proven he is the answer to Newcastle United problem

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Kieran Trippier could suddenly be more valuable than ever to Eddie Howe and Newcastle United.

The veteran defender is considered to be one of Newcastle’s most important signings ever, setting the standard that has become the norm at St James’ Park since PIF bought the club.

That is why Trippier could get a new contract at Newcastle, despite recently turning 35.

The former England international is showing no signs of slowing down, with Trippier admitting he feels fitter than ever in a recent interview. That is great, because he is going to have to play more than ever amid Newcastle’s injuries.

Kieran Trippier will not complain if he has to play left-back for Newcastle United

With Tino Livramento injured, Trippier is the undisputed first choice at right-back.

However, Lewis Hall’s injury may mean that Trippier is needed on the left too. Right now, Dan Burn is Newcastle’s first choice in that position, with youngster Alex Murphy the only backup option.

That could potentially result in Trippier having to play at left-back, which is something he regularly did during his England career.

Gareth Southgate used him there during Euro 2024, in a decision that received plenty of scrutiny. However, Trippier did not mind, and made it very clear he was happy to play at left-back.

“It doesn’t matter [which position],” he told BBC Sport last summer.

“If I play, if I don’t play, if I play right-back, left-back, I’ll always be ready.

“I like to bomb forward and put crosses in, but sometimes I need to adjust my game and maybe I’ll be more defensive [at left back] and join in more. But for me it is just the same – the distances, checking your left shoulder instead of your right, the fine details.

“If it’s left-back, no problem, I’ll give my best. But if I’m not playing, also the type of character that I am is that I’m always supportive of my team because ultimately, if you’re not playing, we all want the same goal.”

The situation would be the same if Howe asked Trippier to switch sides, which has to be considered a possibility following Hall’s hamstring injury.

While Dan Burn is doing well at left-back, centre-back is his best position. There are also question marks surrounding how regularly Sven Botman can play amid his previous injury problems.

Who else could play at right-back for Newcastle United

If Trippier were asked to operate on the left of defence, it would mean someone else would have to take his place on the right. Fortunately, Howe does have a few options within his Newcastle United squad.

The most obvious is Emil Krafth. The Sweden international is incredibly reliable, albeit limited in attack. But in terms of out-and-out defending, Newcastle can always rely on the 31-year-old.

Another option could see Jacob Murphy drop into a deeper role. He has been utilised as a wing-back rather successfully, while he has the tactical knowhow to deliver what Howe wants.

Further down the pecking order, Newcastle have Harrison Ashby and Leo Shahar as right-backs. Neither have made a competitive appearance for the club, although there is a lot of excitement surrounding the latter.