Eddie Howe is set to involve Harrison Ashby in his Newcastle United plans.placeholder image
Eddie Howe is set to involve Harrison Ashby in his Newcastle United plans. | Getty Images
The 23-year-old spent last season on loan with QPR but returned to St James’ Park this summer.
Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe is set to hand defender Harrison Ashby a lifeline to break into the Magpies’ first team squad this season following a mixed loan spell at QPR last year.
The 23-year-old was signed on a season-long loan deal by Marti Cifuentes last summer but was in and out of the R’s starting XI last season as he suffered from injury problems. Ashby made 31 appearances in all competitions and picked up one assist, which came on the final day of the season against Sunderland.
Ashby started the final five matches of the season for QPR before returning to Newcastle United this summer. Having never made a senior appearance for the Magpies since arriving from West Ham in 2023, it was somewhat expected that Ashby would not be part of Howe’s immediate plans.
Harrison Ashby set for Newcastle United lifeline
However, that appears not to be the case. Ashby played in midfield during the 2-0 defeat to Atletico Madrid on Tyneside and earned plaudits for his efforts. NewcastleWorld reported that the player ‘did relatively well’ in his ‘makeshift’ role.
Ashby’s versatility could be useful for Newcastle United this season with the club struggling to sign new players amid PSR regulations. Speaking after defeat to the La Liga giants, Howe said: “I think the biggest thing today is I liked his attitude. He attacked the position. He's very rarely played that position, although he has trained there for us. It's a sign of our squad depth... we are stretched in midfield."
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New QPR head coach Julien Stephan started Esquerdinha in that role against Preston North End for the Championship opener but the Brazilian is still just 19 years old. That was his first senior appearance for the club.
Speaking about Ashby towards the end of last season, Cifuentes said: “I love Ash’s personality. He’s so straight and honest, he wanted to play, he’s playing at a high level the last games, which I’m very happy about because I think there is a big potential on him as a player.”
The defender is a product of the West Ham academy and made seven first team appearances for the Hammers. Ashby was signed by Newcastle United for a reported £3 million in January 2023.
In other news, Ex Tottenham, QPR and Millwall star signs for 16th club at 34 years old.
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