Newcastle United star makes ‘setback’ admission amid lack of game time

Newcastle United star Matt Targett has issued an understanding verdict on his lack of game time of late at St James’ Park.

Targett was signed from Aston Villa in the summer after a successful loan spell with the Magpies, but he has made just 13 Premier League appearances so far this season, starting only four times. The full-back did miss eight games through injury, but he has largely been second choice for Howe this season in what has been a frustrating campaign for him.

Still, Targett is not throwing his toys out of the pram by any means, showing understanding for his manager’s decisions during an interview with BBC Radio Newcastle.

“I understand what’s been going on,” he said. “Obviously, the injury didn’t help - that was a big setback - and the team have been doing unbelievably. You know its hard to change a winning team and, at the moment, we’ve got the best defensive record in the league.”

Speaking about his bid to get back into the team, Targett added: “I know that it’s hard for me to get back in but I’m being as professional as I can be. I work hard, and when I get my opportunity, I want to show to the manager that I’m ready to be back in the team.”

The left-back faces an uphill task to reclaim his spot, but Dan Burn did struggle against Aston Villa over the weekend, so they may yet be a route into the starting XI. Though, Newcastle are very likely to strengthen the position further this summer, and so it will be interesting to see what the future holds for Targett.