Callum Wilson admits his goal battle with Alexander Isak has been a “kick up the backside” and “elevated” Newcastle United.
The England striker has signalled he will reject any transfer offers in the summer to fulfil his Champions League “dream” on Tyneside.
Wilson is no longer a guaranteed starter under Eddie Howe after the £60m arrival of Sweden star Isak - and the two are duelling it out in a spectacular end of season goals glut.
WIlson, 31, has grabbed six in his last six appearances, despite not starting four of those games.
Isak is also on fire with seven in his last ten games, including proving he could potentially play WITH Wilson, by showing his world class dribbling skills from the left wing, as shown at Everton.
Howe says they are unlikely to start together because of tactics, but Wilson says they are both needed, especially with European demands next season.
WIlson said: “We could have 60 games next season. One player can’t lead the line 60 times. Even with 30 games each, you can still score plenty and play in Europe.
“In the summer, we will even add to the strike department the way the club is going, and with our high pressing style, you are going to need players.
“We have both elevated each other’s performance. You know if you don’t perform you won’t start. I thrive off that. Before you could say I was getting a bit complacent, now I have had a kick up the backside, time to start scoring again, which I have of late, and I am enjoying it. The challenge.”
Howe’s squad are team players, but there is healthy competition between individuals, especially strikers and wingers.
Wilson added: “People ask about Isak and me. For the team it is beneficial. The team knows you have two players who can be relied on. Both can get you a goal,and lead the line well.
“As an individual it is a challenge. If you are guaranteed to play week in week out you are not playing for a Champions League club.
“Since Alex started scoring, I had a refresh in Dubai. I have started to pull my finger out, and have started scoring. We are pushing each other at the business end of the season.
“You have to thrive on the competition. If you are guaranteed to start every week it isn’t pushing you and you become stale if you are not growing.
“He is a nice guy on and off the pitch and it is competition.
“I have always got to where I am through fighting. Nothing changes. As much as I like Alex on and off the pitch, I want to be that person who starts, if we are not playing as a pair.
“You want to make that individual you. Ultimately it is healthy for the club and team.”
Howe’s men look to maintain their grip on a top four finish against Southampton today.
Howe has a major dilemma on who to start after Wilson’s double at Everton in a 4-1 win, including a brilliant 25 yard top corner finish.
Howe said: “There's been no problem with (Callum’s) demeanour, his mood, but underneath that I can see that he's fiercely determined to get his place back.
“The response to training, which is the first thing that I look for as the manager, there are loads of different reactions you can give if you're disappointed, upset and angry. But the best response is to train to your best level and he's done and full credit to Callum. That's why he's come on the pitch and scored because he's been in a very good place mentally."
"How you manage the squad is important. I think the players need to understand that it's a long season, there's loads of games, everyone will get an opportunity to play, and then ultimately it's how the player takes that opportunity as to whether they play or not.
“I'll always say the power is in the player's hands, the manager just picks what he sees. Callum is hugely respected here, loved by coaching and players, and we see his long-term future here. So I certainly wouldn't want to see him leave."
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