Eddie Howe has challenged Joe Willock to power his approach into England boss Gareth Southgate’s plans as he helps spearhead Newcastle’s bid for Champions League qualification.
The 23-year-old turned in a fantastic particular person show in Sunday’s 2-1 Premier League win over Wolves to sign a return to prime type, and Magpies head coach Howe is satisfied he has what it takes to play on the senior worldwide stage.
He mentioned: “That definitely should be an aim of his. I think he had the potential to do it.
“For Joe, he has areas to improve, as all players do in the squad. It is there for him. He is young enough and he has potential to grow.
“Since my time here, he has been excellent and his game has improved. I think he has got more to go. He can get more goals, he can assist more, especially the position he is playing in, he has those moments and chances.
“The goal he scored against Chelsea was a brilliant finish, and if he can add a few more moments like that to his game, he will be knocking on the door.”
Former Under-21 worldwide Willock sealed a £25million change to St James’ Park from Arsenal in August 2021 after a shocking mortgage spell throughout which he scored eight targets in 14 appearances, seven of them within the remaining seven video games of the marketing campaign.
Last season was harder for him, however his power and trade have proved key to Newcastle’s bid for a top-four end this time round, a quest which continues at Nottingham Forest on Friday night.
Howe mentioned: “He can get around the pitch brilliantly, he dovetails into a wide area for us too, natural rotation into those areas. That versatility to his game is key, he is not a one-dimensional player at all.”
The journey to the City Ground will pitch the Magpies into battle with one acquainted face within the form of midfielder Jonjo Shelvey, however not one other, Chris Wood, who’s ineligible below the phrases of his mortgage settlement, with each having left Tyneside for Forest in January.
Howe, who was a reluctant vendor, mentioned: “Jonjo last year and Chris played a huge role in keeping us in the league. At a really difficult moment for the football club, both players really stood up and excelled.
“That’s not forgotten by me or anyone connected with the club, I’m sure.”
Howe can be with out the suspended Joelinton once more, whereas attacker Anthony Gordon is dealing with a race towards time to be match after the worldwide break after a scan revealed his ankle harm might be extra problematic than first thought.
