Eddie Howe 'really happy' with Newcastle United's first summer signing as deal triggered

Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe says he is “really happy” with Lewis Hall and his impact on the team in recent matches.

Having previously made just four starts in his opening six months after joining from Chelsea in August, a place in the starting XI against Burnley today (kick-off 3pm) will see him equal that total in the space of four weeks.

The Magpies have had to be patient with the 19-year-old as he gets used to life under Howe and living in the North East. He still remains far from the finished product but his recent performances have provided plenty of promise.

“I think he's doing really well at the moment,” Howe told NewcastleWorld. “I think he's got renewed confidence from playing and being involved, which really only that involvement can give you. I think his game has come on the back of that really.

“I thought we saw really good signs from him against Sheffield United, I think he used the ball really well, did well with the players around him, building those relationships which is always difficult when you come into the team. Really happy with him at the moment.”

Hall has started games against Everton, Fulham and Sheffield United as well as enjoy some bright cameos versus West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur.

The clause to bring Hall to St James’ Park permanently this summer was recently triggered after the 4-0 win over Spurs meant Newcastle could not finish no lower than 14th in the Premier League table.

Even in times when there were questions marks over Hall’s future, Howe always maintained the view that the England under-20s international is one for the future.

Speaking previously, Howe said: “He was always brought in with a long-term view, not as a short-term signing. He is a long-term signing.

“We have always believed in him and his quality and we have been working really hard with him on his game. He’s a really talented lad. He’s got a couple of things to continue working on as all the players have. I believe in him. My vision for him is he will be at Newcastle for many years

“Sometimes, and I know it’s a rare commodity these days, we just need some patience. We just need to wait to develop players. There’s no magic wand, but time and good work on the training pitch. Players develop at different speeds, but we’re delighted with the progress he’s made.

“When you look at someone of that age moving away from home — regardless of the fact they’re a footballer — you can’t underestimate the challenges that come with that. He’s handled himself really well and it’s been a season of growth for him although the external view would not necessarily have seen that.

“We have seen that internally so it’s been a really powerful, positive year for him. A lot of work has been put into him and I do believe in him long-term.”