Kieron Dyer makes ‘dodgy’ Alexander Isak claim as Eddie Howe explains Callum Wilson absence

Eddie Howe has explained his decision to start Alexander Isak for Newcastle United’s away clash with AFC Bournemouth.

Isak has featured sparingly since his big-money move from Real Sociedad in the summer, making just five Premier League appearances but scoring three. Injuries and a concussion have been to blame for the Swedish striker’s lack of involvement, but he gets his big opportunity on Saturday night against strugglers Bournemouth, starting only his fourth league game of the season.

That is, in part, because Callum Wilson has been forced out through injury, with Magpies boss Howe telling Sky Sports: “Callum has a minor hamstring complaint. He will miss this game, and we hope to get him back for the next one.“

Asked about the decision to start Isak, Howe added: “He has been training really, really well. He has been electric with some of the things he has done in training. he has consistently improved since coming back from injury, so I’m delighted to have a player of his calibre with this opportunity.”

During Sky’s pre-match coverage, former Magpie Kieron Dyer was asked about Isak and his efforts so far. He said: “I was just touching on Newcastle’s recruitment and how good it has been. If there’s one that you could say is dodgy it’s him, and that’s because he has not had the run of ganes, he has had injuries to content with.

“But I trust that Newcastle’s transfer policy is good, and once he gets a run of games under his belt, I think we will see the real Isak.”

Isak proved himself as a dangerous goalscorer during his time with Real Sociedad, scoring in around a third of his league games, and in the few games he has had so far, he has managed to better that average at Newcastle. But so far, there is a very small sample size, and the Swede needs to stay fit amid increased competition with the signing of Anthony Gordon, who can play across the front line.