Callum Wilson admits the 'only shame' with Alexander Isak is that the Newcastle United duo both play the same position. The Magpies' number nine was forced to settle for just two starts in April, but netted eight times as Eddie Howe's side closed in on a top-four finish.
Wilson struggled for form following the World Cup, and as a result lost his starting spot amid Isak's return from injury. However, braces in the last two victories over Everton and Southampton means Howe is facing a welcome selection dilemma for each match.
Isak is enjoying his best run in a black-and-white shirt, scoring seven times in his last nine appearances including a double of his own in the dismantling of Tottenham at St James' Park. Howe has so far resisted the temptation to start the pair together, despite promising signs of a partnership in recent wins over the Saints and Brentford.
Wilson admits the 'competition' has helped drive his return to form, with the 31-year-old clear as Newcastle's top scorer this season with 15 goals. Isak has at times been used as either a wide forward or a number 10, but the former Bournemouth star believes they both want the same central role and has revealed his response to losing his starting spot.
Wilson told the BBC's Footballer's Football Podcast: "He's a great player, great competition. I think the only shame is we both play in the same position because he's one of those players you want to play with as a player."
He added: "The competition has helped. It helps you grow as a person, if you're not growing, you're going backwards in anything in life. I think everybody needs a little push every now and again, just to reset your mind, reset your focus, and see how much you really want it is probably the truth.
"When it's all said and done and you come out of the team, you can either go two ways. You can sink or swim, and for me I've come out of the team, and it's what do you want to do? Do you just want to accept a place on the bench, or do you want to keep fighting as you've always done and try and make yourself be that person who starts games regularly.
"That's all I've tried to do, and while I'm doing that help the team as well. The team is the beneficiaries, that's for sure."
Wilson netted twice in only his second start of the month, helping Newcastle ease to a 4-1 away victory over relegation battlers Everton. The second goal was a fine long-range strike from the number nine, but this was soon upstaged by a breathtaking assist from Isak.
The Sweden international picked up the ball on the halfway line seconds after the Toffees pulled a goal back, and twisted and turned to beat several defenders as he reached the byline to tee-up Jacob Murphy for the Magpies' fourth goal. Wilson was close to converting the cutback himself, and has joked about the immediate impact of his rival and team-mate.
Wilson added: "Honestly, I'm out there scoring two and then all of a sudden Alex comes on, does the assist and I'm thinking 'boy why have you always got to go and get one up on me'!
"Let me have my game! Nah, I'm joking. Unbelievable skill, probably one of the best assists I've seen live. Joe Willock's ball a couple of games before was unbelievable as well, and then Alex has gone and done that.
"He's going on a dribble, he's twisting and turning. The only disappointing thing was it was coming for me, but it hit off the defender's arm and went to Murphy. You're on a hat-trick and thinking here we go, it would be nice to top that off for him and also get the hat-trick as well."
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