The international break has done Eddie Howe a £28m favour at Newcastle United

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Eddie Howe bemoaned the timing of the international break following Newcastle United’s loss to Brentford, but it has actually worked out perfectly.

After that crushing defeat in West London, Eddie Howe said he wanted another game quickly in order to bounce back. Unfortunately, the international break meant he would not be afforded that opportunity.

In truth, it felt like the break came at a good time for a Newcastle United squad that were running out of steam.

It certainly came at a good time for Lewis Hall, who got the opportunity to prove his fitness with England Under-21s.

Lewis Hall shines ahead of Dan Burn suspension

The 21-year-old was part of England Under-21s’ 2-0 win over Republic of Ireland on Friday night. He played 70 minutes at left-back, with Hall praised for his performance.

It was the defender’s first start since 24th September due to a hamstring problem, and Eddie Howe will have been delighted to see his player come through the game unscathed.

While there will have been fears over his fitness, the fact he was able to get more than an hour into his legs is extremely encouraging. It comes at the perfect time too, with Dan Burn suspended for Newcastle’s game against Manchester City on Saturday.

Hall is the obvious candidate to replace Burn at left-back, but the only question mark is whether Howe deems him fit enough to start so soon after injury.

Given his England Under-21s outing, there should no longer be any questions. In that regard, the international break has done Howe a favour.

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Newcastle United need Lewis Hall to be a regular starter again

Since returning from injury, Hall has been excellent for Newcastle during his two cameos. He really has been a big miss, and this now needs to signal his regular return to the starting XI.

Burn has done well at left-back, but his shortcomings have been clear to see. Newcastle lose out offensively when he is at left-back, which is a big problem when you have left wingers in Anthony Gordon and Harvey Barnes who want to drift inside.

Howe needs someone who can give Newcastle width, and that is exactly what Hall will do.

The Man City game must be the start of an extended run in the side for Newcastle’s £28million man, especially with his frustrating injury problems now firmly behind him.