‘Never say never’: Newcastle United star could solve starting line up dilemma for Eddie Howe

To the shock of many, Kieran Trippier earned his latest England cap as a left-back- despite being widely considered as the best right-back in the Premier League.

It’s a position he’s played before, of course. Many will remember the first time Gareth Southgate had the United captain play left-back in the opening game of Euro 2020.

It may have also provided Eddie Howe with a boost, an idea that isn’t lost on him either.

Kieran is a versatile player who has played left-back a number of times over the years especially for England,” said Howe. “So yeah [he could play there], never say never.”

“We’ll look at everything and pick what we think is the best team.”

With most Newcastle fans being unable to fathom a starting line up without him, it provides the Magpies with more depth. And Trippier on the left could also free up a space for new signing Tino Livramento- another right-back with an attacking mind.

Livramento was subbed on in the final minutes of Newcastle’s defeat to Manchester City but with the skipper turning 33-years-old next week and the number of games increasing with the Champions League he could be looking down the barrel of more game time.

In fact, it wouldn’t be surprising if Howe’s immovable backline underwent some variation in the coming weeks.