Eddie Howe has stated it would have been "foolish" to field [Callum Wilson](https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/all-about/callum-wilson) earlier than the 75th minute at Crystal Palace.
The [Newcastle United](https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/all-about/newcastle-united-fc) striker looked unhappy when Harvey Barnes was preferred to him 21 minutes into the game despite being told to warm up at Selhurst Park. But Howe has explained why he had no choice to hold the number 9 back on Saturday in the 1-1 draw.
Howe told Chronicle Live: "The key thing for me is we try our best to keep Callum fit for as long as possible so he can get into his flow and rhythm. That is not going to come back instantly.
"He has done very limited training with us. I think it would have been really foolish of me to put him on the pitch as much as I wanted to. It is just about trying to give him the best chance to stay fit."
Howe was quizzed on his tactical approach during a 29-minute press conference to preview the Liverpool clash. During it, he also spoke of the frail confidence within the group and how he hopes to see Newcastle get their mojo back.
Howe said: "Sometimes it is just a state you can get into. A flow. When you are playing well you don't even think about it. You just attack. And we've done that for the majority of my time here. I look at some of the performances and the goals, some of the general play we've delivered, it's a beautiful thing. Sometimes when that is not clicking it can feel a little bit robotic and a little bit forced."
Howe is confident that the type of squashbuckling displays that took Newcastle to the top four in 2023 will soon return. Speaking about his team's abilities, he said: "The most important thing is from my side is that I back the players. I know their qualities.
"I want them to go on the pitch free. And not overthinking, playing the game they have always loved. I think if we do those key things the goals will return."