Eddie Howe admits he has a decision to make regarding Callum Wilson and Alexander Isak for the final five games of the Premier League season. The £78m attacking pair are yet to start a game together for Newcastle United but have both found form in recent weeks.
Wilson netted his third brace of the month in Sunday's win over Southampton. The Newcastle No 9's eight April goals mean he has scored now more Premier League goals in a single calendar month than any Magpies player in the competition's history, surpassing Alan Shearer's best of seven in September 1999.
Wilson has shaken off his post-World Cup form and is back to his best as he fights Isak for the central striker role on Tyneside. Howe has so far been reluctant to use the duo together from the start but is now considering his options with five top flight games remaining.
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“We’ve had discussions and talks, but there’s been no bending the ear,” Howe said of Wilson. “I know he’s desperate to play every minute of every game.
"But I do think I have a duty to manage him as well, and make sure that he stays fit for as long as possible, because when he’s fit and playing, and doing what he did today, I don’t think there’s anyone better. I’m delighted for him, and it obviously gives me food for thought as we go through the last five games.”
Wilson laughed off suggestions he was Newcastle's new 'super sub' after his introduction turned the Southampton game on its head. The ex-Bournemouth man started Thursday's win over Everton where he also helped himself to two goals.
Isak settled for a place on the bench at Goodison Park but fitted in perfectly down the left flank when introduced in the second-half. Wilson believes his attacking partner is suited to a wide role, while he is an out and out central striker.
"He's a top player, top player," Wilson said after the Everton win. "You want to play with good players. Unfortunately we play in the same position a lot of time but when he plays out wide he can do things like that as well.
"Obviously I'm more of a natural nine and he's more of a wide player and it's a good partnership. Hopefully we get more time on the pitch together."
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