Gary Lineker and Eddie Howe
Gary Lineker and Eddie Howe
Sven Botman has got through some 'good minutes again' as Newcastle United's squad starts to look 'stronger'.
Botman returned to action after nine months out in the Under-21s' 3-2 win against Chelsea earlier this week. Eddie Howe, who was watching on at Whitley Park, hoped that Botman could potentially feature in a couple more games behind closed doors to get his rhythm back after so long out.
Having played an hour on Monday night, Botman got further minutes on Saturday as the Dutchman aims to potentially return to the match day squad by the end of December or the beginning of January.
"We're hearing good news that Sven got through some good minutes again today," Howe told NUFC TV following the 4-0 win against Ipswich at Portman Road. "So the squad is looking stronger."
It feels like an important development, particularly when Howe does not see Newcastle doing 'huge business' next month. In a separate interview with Match of the Day host Gary Lineker, Howe stressed the 'need to concentrate on the players that we do have and try and get the very best out of them rather than looking externally'.
That is why the return of Botman will be a timely mid-season boost and Howe has already tipped the centre-back to potentially make a 'huge difference'. That is saying something when Newcastle have conceded just one goal in their last three games, but Botman is a key player for the black-and-whites with his vision, passing range and ability to switch play.
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