Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has reason to celebrate now that the international break is over.
The entire Newcastle United squad’s focus can shift towards Saturday’s game against Manchester City, as they attempt to change their fortunes at Pep Guardiola’s expense.
It will be a tough task, but Newcastle are boosted by Sandro Tonali and Nick Pope being available after injury concerns.
Elsewhere, Eddie Howe will be very happy with how England Under-21s manager Lee Carsley has handled Lewis Hall during the international break.
Lewis Hall playing for England Under-21s.
Photo by David Balogh – The FA/The FA via Getty Images
Lewis Hall cameo helps Eddie Howe as Newcastle United return to action
Lewis Hall was excellent for England Under-21s against Republic of Ireland on Friday, but had a slightly different role on Tuesday night.
He was dropped to the bench for the clash with Slovakia, as Lee Carsley’s side won 4-0 thanks to goals from Divin Mubama, Ethan Nwaneri and Josh King.
There was an appearance from Hall, with the left-back introduced in the 61st minute. That allowed him to get another 30 minutes into his legs, as he builds up his match fitness following a hamstring injury.
Carsley has got the balance just right with Hall, allowing him to regain his sharpness without overplaying him. That will have delighted Howe, who will be keen to get the 21-year-old back into his starting lineup as soon as possible.
MORE NEWCASTLE STORIES
Lewis Hall simply must start against Manchester City
That needs to happen on Saturday when Newcastle United face Manchester City.
Dan Burn is suspended following his red card against Brentford, meaning Howe will need to make a change at left-back.
Hall is the obvious choice to come into the side. In truth, he is the only choice. Newcastle do not have another natural left-back that can come into the side, unless Howe were to go rogue and hand Alex Murphy his first ever competitive start for the club.
The only other alternative would see Emil Krafth return to the starting XI and Kieran Trippier play on the left. That would not fill Toon fans with confidence ahead of such a difficult game.
Given the lack of options, Hall simply has to start against Manchester City. He should be fit enough to as well, having gained some valuable minutes during the international break.