Eddie Howe hints at Newcastle United plan for Sven Botman ahead of Brighton clash

Eddie Howe has suggested Sven Botman will have to wait a little while longer before making his first Newcastle United start.

The £35million summer signing from Lille was a stoppage substitute during last weekend’s 2-0 win over Nottingham Forest.

Many expected Botman to get the nod against Forest, however, Howe stuck with Fabian Schar and Dan Burn, who performed so well at the end of last season.

Their partnership is set to continue at the Amex Stadium this afternoon, with Botman in line for a spot on the bench as he continues to familar himself with his new surroundings.

“The more training time we can get into Sven, the better,” Howe said. But every situation is very unique. You can never blueprint because that changes within seconds sometimes.

“The more training, the more he gets to understand how we want him to play and his teammates around him. That will serve him very well.

“I’ve been very pleased with him in pre-season. Him not playing (against Forest) wasn’t a reflection on his performances, he’s been excellent.

“As I said after the game, it was about keeping continuity in our backline in a backline that performed very well during the back end of last season.

“Sven’s got a huge part to play.”