Eddie Howe has revealed Matt Targett’s half-time substitution against Tranmere Rovers was pre-planned.

After missing the previous two Premier League games against Brighton and Manchester City with a dead leg, the left-back was restored to the starting XI for the Carabao Cup visit to Prenton Park.

Targett played the opening 45 minutes before being replaced by Jamal Lewis for the second-half - his first appearance since December 2021.

Many feared Targett’s withdrawal was injury-related, however, Magpies head coach Howe confirmed the 26-year-old come through unscathed.

Newcastle United left-back Matt Targett. (Photo by Lewis Storey/Getty Images)

The former Aston Villa full-back watched on as Chris Wood netted a 52nd-minute winner from Kieran Trippier’s in-swinging corner.

Targett is set to be in contention to start against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Sunday as Dan Burn recovers from a concussion.

The full-back hadn’t missed a game for Newcastle since joining on loan in January before making his stay permanent this summer in a deal worth £15million.

Matt Targett’s half-time substitution in Tranmere v Newcastle United tie explained amid injury fear