Eddie Howe and Kieran Trippierplaceholder image
Eddie Howe and Kieran Trippier | AFP via Getty Images
Newcastle United latest news: Kieran Trippier is set for contract talks with Newcastle United - according to Eddie Howe.
The former Tottenham Hotspur defender has just a few months left on his current deal at St James’ Park, but has become a first-team regular of late. Injuries to Tino Livramento, Emil Krafth and Lewis Miley, someone who had covered at right-back for Trippier during the first few weeks of the year, have all been ruled-out for a sustained period of time.
Trippier’s enhanced role on the field is mirrored by his influence off the pitch. Trippier is part of the club’s leadership group and having just lost Jamaal Lascelles to Leicester City, there is a big hole in that group that needs to be filled. With Trippier one of the club’s senior and longest-serving players, his future will be a big talking point over the last few months of the campaign.
Asked whether an extension to Trippier’s deal is likely, Howe responded: “I think his long-term future will be something again that we discuss. I've said this before.
“But it won't be sort of one way. It'll be with Kieran.
“Kieran's vastly experienced. He knows what he wants as well. So we'll sit together and we'll try and come to the right conclusion for everybody.”
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On Trippier’s general influence on the squad, Howe added: “You can't underestimate what Kieran brings. We spoke earlier about the reaction of the group in the last five games, and I think epitomising that is Kieran's mentality, where I think after the Brentford game, if I believe, I could be mistaken on the game, but he's come out and taken accountability on behalf of the players, which I think is rare in this day and age.
“And I think he's got those values inside of him that he has to give more, or the team have to give more in any moment, but that filters through the group, and that leadership is almost a dying art in the modern game. So I pay tribute to his leadership.
“All through his time here, he's been a really positive force for the team, for evolving, improving, and in good and bad moments being consistent.
“He's had a big workload in recent weeks. We've been well aware of that. We've tried to manage his minutes when we can in games. But also, he's very much of the mindset that he wants the rhythm of the games, so he enjoys the games, he wants to play, and he feels he's better when he is regularly playing, so in some sense we've tried to give him that as well. But he's still an outstanding player.”
Kieran Trippier’s Newcastle United future
Trippier, meanwhile, isn’t planning on hanging up his playing boots just yet. In an interview for the club’s matchday programme ahead of their clash with Everton, Trippier said: “I’m far from done as a player! I think age is just a number.
“With the nutrition we’ve got these days and the way you look after your body and yourself, it’s key. That’s what I’ve been doing throughout my career and I still feel fit, strong, like I’ve still got many years in my career.”
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