Newcastle boss gives Ryan Fraser update after Eddie Howe confirms U21s exile

Newcastle United under-21s boss Ben Dawson admits Ryan Fraser could feature for the academy side before the end of the season. Eddie Howe recently confirmed the former Bournemouth winger had been sent to train with the Magpies' second-string for the foreseeable future in order to focus on players 'committed' to the club.

Fraser played an important role in the second half of last season as he helped Newcastle avoid relegation and secure a mid-table finish. However, the Scotland international has featured for only 311 minutes this term and has not played since a substitute appearance in the home win over Everton in October.

The 29-year-old was tipped for a January exit, with the signing of Anthony Gordon pushing him further down the pecking order. However, a move away did not materialise and Howe confirmed he does not see a way back into the senior squad for the winger who still has two years remaining on his contract at St James' Park.

READ MORE: Eddie Howe explains decision to send Ryan Fraser to Newcastle U21s and says he wants 'committed' players

Fraser was not named in the matchday squad as Newcastle's U21s suffered a heavy home defeat to West Brom on Monday afternoon. Dawson praised the attacker's application with the academy team so far, and has not ruled out calling upon the exiled star with four Premier League 2 fixtures remaining this season.

Dawson told ChronicleLive: "It's nothing different to what's probably happened year upon year. The manager has given the reasons why Ryan is here.

"Ryan has been with us and he's trained, he's been great around the young lads and he's done things properly. Whether he's involved or not, I don't know yet. It'll just be a case of probably playing it day by day, week by week, and as we approach the games, we'll assess that when we get a bit closer."

* Newcastle United U21s return to Premier League 2 action on March 20 with a trip to face Nottingham Forest. You can follow all of the build-up to the City Ground encounter here.

READ NEXT

• Forgotten Newcastle signing stuck in limbo after quiet return and case of 'bad timing'

• Newcastle United U21s faint playoff hopes end with heavy home defeat - three things

• Santiago Munoz opens up on how Newcastle United spell helped him 'mature'

• More pressure put on Premier League to 're-examine' Newcastle takeover assurances by PIF

• Jamaal Lascelles opens up on six-month Newcastle United exile and Eddie Howe's impressive methods