Eddie Howe discussed the return of Jacob Ramsey to the Newcastle United squad.
The attacking midfielder was a favourite of the fans at his boyhood club Aston Villa, but he left in the summer for a fee of £40 million. Having played 39 times for the Villans in the Premier League and the Champions League last campaign, his exit was not solely a sporting decision. But after a series of foot and hamstring injuries, it was integral for the player to go somewhere he could get minutes.
However, his bad luck continued with the Toon as he suffered a swollen ankle against Leeds United in a 0-0 draw in August. His scheduled return was sooner than first expected, but it has still taken him time to get back to full fitness. Ramsey returned to action as a substitute in a 2-1 loss to Brighton last week, and he was in the starting eleven in a 3-0 win over **Benfica**in place of the ill Sandro Tonali.
The technical quality, European experience, and goal getting of a player who is still only 24 years of age make him a valuable asset in the eyes of Howe. The Newcastle manager made clear that he is looking forward to working with the player on the pitch ahead of the clash with **Fulham**on Saturday.
“I am really pleased with JJ. Coming to a new club, the last thing you want is pick up an injury early.
“You want to show your qualities and what you can bring to the team. So, he has had a period away, worked hard, come back now to full fitness. I've been impressed. I still feel there's so much more to come both physically and technically because I think he's got outstanding technical qualities.
“He is a very intelligent player. I think the best is yet to come but certainly positive impression.”