Will Osula was given a rare start by Eddie Howe against Qarabag but his performance may have left more questions than answers as Alan Searer offered his verdict
William Osula
William Osula was offered a rare chance from the start for Newcastle United(Image: Scott Llewellyn/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
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St James' Park was a platform for an opportunity on Tuesday night such was Newcastle's advantage against Qarabag. Eddie Howe made six changes to his starting XI as the Magpies were required to defend a 6-1 lead.
That was never in doubt as the hosts scored twice in six minutes, even with the scrappy game that transpired as Newcastle secured a 3-2 win. Alex Murphy was handed an opportunity in defence, while Sven Botman returned from injury, but it is Will Osula who may have faced the heaviest burden in his chance.
The forward was probably licking his lips at the chance of a first Champions League goal, but with the ease Newcastle have found the net against Qarabag, pressure was sure to be present too.
By the time Osula was replaced by Yoane Wissa after 73 minutes, the Danish forward may have been left perplexed that he didn't find more chances, and a contingent of fans certainly won't be in a rush to see his name on the teamsheet again.
The 22-year-old has shown flashes and rarely more during his Toon career, yet somehow Eintracht Frankfurt were willing to foot up £30million in a move that never transpired. There is potential to be harnessed, but the question remains: how?
Newcastle United's William Osula is tackled by Qarabag's Kevin Medina
William Osula struggled(Image: Lee Parker - CameraSport via Getty Images)
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There appeared to be some anxiety in his play, and the striker managed just a single shot against a subpar backline. Opportunities come rarely when you're behind big-money signings in Wissa and Nick Woltemade, but it was not a performance that would have convinced Howe.
Given Woltemade's move deeper, it would have been a timely moment to deliver. Instead, conviction was lacking, and a desperation to do well interrupted his play.
On commentary, Alan Shearer offered an assessment. Given he's Newcastle's greatest goalscorer, they are words to take on board for Osula.
The famous No.9 said: "Needs to slow down. He's trying to do everything at 100mph."
It's understandable that Osula will be anxious to make his impression, but composure is also important at the very top. It's not an easy feat to break into a top team and goals is a sure-fire currency to force that chance.
For now, it appears Osula will be confined to limited minutes off the bench. His problem will be finding a way onto the pitch.
Newcastle have two separate issues. First, questions remain over their depth and with important matches ramping up at the business end of the season, they have few answers in their search for goals following Osula's 14 touches.
Secondly, if Osula's future does ultimately lie elsewhere. Newcastle may struggle to rake in a fee near what has previously been quoted.