Newcastle United have already secured deal for Callum Wilson replacement after behind the scenes work

The 21-year-old joined Newcastle United in a £15million deal from Sheffield United in the summer but is yet to start a Premier League match. Osula has been restricted to four league substitute appearances, totalling 10 minutes.

The Magpies lost Callum Wilson to another hamstring injury this week, which is set to keep him out for eight weeks. That leaves Osula as the only recognised striker behind Alexander Isak.

“Obviously Callum’s injury is a blow in respect to our strength in depth in that position but I think Alex, at the moment, touchwood is fit and scoring goals, playing well,” Howe said.

“We’ve put in a lot of work with Will Osula behind the scenes and he is progressing nicely so I’ve got no hesitation in playing him as well so we have two [recognised strikers] and then a variety of options behind that which hopefully we’ll be able to use.”

Osula made 21 Premier League appearances for Sheffield United last season but has needed time to settle and develop on Tyneside.

“I just think it’s a huge jump for him, in every way, naturally,” Howe added. “I’ve been really, really impressed by him. His attitude to learning is top. He’s there with a variety of coaches after training every day, working on his game.

“I think that’s the thing – there’s not one thing for Will. It’s not a case of trying to fix or improve this or that – it’s just the time that’s needed to improve all aspects of his game and his understanding.

“You don’t suddenly just land and become a Premier League striker, you have to work towards that as a young player, and he’s making great strides.”

Having taken the work behind the scenes on board, Howe believes Osula is “readier than he’s ever been”.

Howe continued: “We’ve been really impressed with him. I think now, with us having worked with him for a few months, he’s readier than he’s ever been.

“Obviously, with Callum’s injury, he’s going to have to step up and grab any opportunity that comes his way. He has all the attributes you need – I think supporters who have watched him play in the brief time that he’s played will have seen that he’s big, he’s very quick and he’s strong, there’s just a refinement that’s needed, and the only thing that can really bring that is time. But he’s certainly getting there.”