Eddie Howe’s response to Ralph Hasenhuttl’s Newcastle United January transfer window rant

Eddie Howe is “delighted” to play his January signings at Southampton, despite Ralph Hasenhuttl claiming it’s “not really fair”.

The Magpies were originally due to travel to St Mary’s on January 2 but the game was postponed due to a Covid-19 outbreak in United’s camp.

Saints boss Hasenhuttl took a real issue with the cancellation, as revisited by NewcastleWorld on Tuesday.

During his rant, the Austrian believed it’s unfair that United’s new signings are eligible to play in the re-arranged fixture.

He was back at it again on Wednesday and said “(it is) strange now to concentrate on a game you should have played two months ago against a completely different team.”

Newcastle spent a total of £90million in January, adding Kieran Trippier, Chris Wood, Bruno Guimaraes, Matt Targett and Dan Burn to their ranks.

Howe’s side are yet to lose in 2022, with an eight-game unbeaten run lifting the Magpies seven points above the Premier League relegation zone.

Asked about Hasenhuttl’s comments, Howe said: “I didn’t know he (Ralph Hasenhuttl) made those comments, I’m hearing them from you.

“We followed the protocols as did every team. It was unfortunate the game was called off, we wanted to play it.

“In terms of the signings, the rules are the same for everybody. No team talk of mine will be based around that.

Wood, Burn and Targett are likely to start at St Mary’s, while Guimaraes, a £35m arrival from Lyon, is likely to be on the bench.

Howe added: “We’re delighted to play our new players, they’ve done very well for us and made a difference.

“I understand that but we’re just following what we’re told to do.”