Eddie Howe delivers intriguing update on £15m Newcastle United man’s future

Newcastle United left-back Jamal Lewis is set to be handed an opportunity to stake a claim for a place in Eddie Howe’s first-team squad next season.

The Northern Ireland international was left out of the Magpies’ 25-man Premier League squad in January to make way for loan signing Matt Targett, who joined from Aston Villa.

His omission was a surprise to supporters after Lewis enjoyed a spell in Howe’s starting XI before a hamstring picked up at Liverpool ruled him out for a month.

When asked why Lewis was removed from the squad, Howe cited a longstanding groin injury as a concern. The 24-year-old has since gone under the knife to fix the problem.

Howe will take another look at Lewis in pre-season, where it is hoped he can live up to the promise that prompted Newcastle to sign him for £15million from Norwich City in 2020.

What Eddie Howe said about Jamal Lewis

The 44-year-old explained: “Jamal has had, I think, two or three operations since January and I think he’s just recently had another one on his groin area but we hope this one has fixed his longstanding problems.

“It has been very frustrating for him because he’s not felt 100 per cent or physically able to give his best.

“Certainly I know from my history as a player that is one of the worst feelings you can experience because you can’t do yourself justice knowing what you’re capable of.

“I think for Jamal, firstly it’s important he gets fit and we see him feeling good and then we will make our judgement on that.

“It’s very difficult to judge him on what I’ve seen historically. I’d love to see him in pre-season and show us the player he can be.”