Eddie Howe names the surprise Newcastle United player ‘pushing to start’ v Wolves

Jacob Murphy is pushing to start against Wolverhampton Wanderers - according to Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe.

The 28-year-old is Howe’s most used player since his appointment as Magpies head coach in November 2021. In the 45-year-old’s 59 matches in charge, Murphy has failed to feature in all but four.

However, just 18 of those have been starts, with the former Norwich City winger becoming accustomed to substitute appearances.

During the 2022-23 campaign alone, 24 of Murphy’s 31 outings have come from off the bench. Despite his short time on the pitch, he’s managed to impress in recent weeks.

Against Manchester United in the Carabao Cup final, Murphy sent a swerving long-range shot narrowly wide of David de Gea’s goal and was the last man to stop two Red Devils’ attacks. At the Etihad versus Man City, he delivered a couple of dangerous crosses.

With Howe set to make at least one change to his starting XI to face Wolverhampton Wanderers on Sunday because of Joelinton’s two-match suspension, the United boss has not ruled out a rare start for Murphy.

“He’s done very well off the bench this year, but that’s not to say that’s his sole role,” said Howe. “I think he’s done really well when he’s come on in the last few games. That’s not lost on me.

“I analyse the games to a forensic degree. He’s pushing to start, there’s no doubting his qualities.”

Howe is facing a couple of selection dilemmas ahead of Sunday, namely who starts in attack between Callum Wilson and Alexander Isak.