Newcastle United have 'rare' talent waiting to replace Callum Wilson after £15m deal

Osula has been riding a crest of a wave this week after scoring his first Premier League goal in last Saturday’s 3-0 win over Ipswich Town. It was his second goal for the Magpies after netting in the FA Cup third round victory against Bromley in January.

The 21-year-old joined from Sheffield United for £15million last summer but has had to stay patient having been restricted to just three starts and 14 substitute appearances.

Eddie Howe on Will Osula

Asked about Osula’s development, Howe - speaking ahead of Sunday’s Premier League trip to Brighton & Hove Albion - said: “Yeah, he’s doing well. “The goal you could see early on this week gave him a big lift, a big confidence boost.

“I think he's trained pretty consistently all season and he's very enthusiastic, very driven. There's still work to do on his game, as there is with every player, but he's certainly going in the right direction.”

Newcastle knew they signing a raw talent in Osula, who assistant Jason Tindall compared to a young Callum Wilson, but his exuberance has quickly made him a popular figure among supporters and his teammates.

Howe added: “I always encourage the players to be themselves and Will is very much himself. And hopefully the supporters take to that personality and I think they have with Will. And it's great to see the love and affection between player and supporter is so important.

“He will feel that love and that will help his game. He is that character during the week. He's bright, he's bubbly, he's enthusiastic, he's passionate, all the things, really, they're really positive things. And that will help his career.

“I think for us it's about being consistent with our development of him and we've tried to do that and be there for him, work with him because he's got rare skills. Not everyone has his ability and his attributes so it's about honing those skills and making sure we continue to get him ready for the rigours of the Premier League.”

What’s next for Will Osula?

Osula is currently behind Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson in the striker pecking order, leading to suggestions that the Dane could benefit from a loan spell next season.

However, with Wilson set to leave Newcastle at the end of his contract, the Dane could be handed a more prominent role next season. He also offers on the right side of the attack.

When asked about Osula’s future last month, Newcastle assistant boss Jason Tindall said: “That's something we have to sort of assess, I'd say, week by week, month by month.

“We've got no plans to send Will out on loan, he's an important part of the squad right now and we know in football, things can change very, very quickly. We've seen it time and time again throughout our managerial career, not just here.

“As I said, with the likes of Lewis Hall and Tino and young players especially, they probably do get a little bit impatient and frustrated at times, but it's important that they stay grounded, they keep working hard every single day and the work they put in on the training ground will go a long way to them when they get the opportunity, they take it and Will's the same.”

YOUR NEXT READ: Newcastle United eye second swoop after reaching agreement to sign out of contract winger.