'Of course...' - Eddie Howe teases Will Osula plans in Newcastle United post-match press conference
Eddie Howe admitted Will Osula “could not do much more” to stake his claim ahead of next season.
Eddie Howe has hailed Will Osula after his brace helped Newcastle United end their St James’ Park campaign with a win.
The Toon boss made the bold decision to back Osula as his first-choice striker against Crystal Palace last month. A three-week break following the Tyne-Wear derby gave Howe plenty of time to conjure up a fresh attacking plan.
When Osula started against Palace on April 12, many felt as though Howe had lost the plot - especially with £120million hitmen Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa on the bench. As it happened, the 22-year-old repaid Howe’s faith with a goal and has enjoyed a purple patch ever since.
Osula double put West Ham United to the sword, extending an impressive run to six goals from eight Premier League games. Given he almost left Newcastle last summer, the question begs whether the Dane has put himself in the mix for a starting role.
Eddie Howe hails Will Osula
Speaking post-match, Howe admitted Osula could “not have done much more” to stake his claim as Newcastle’s main No.9. However, he caveated the point by acknowledging the responsibility of leading the line at St James’ Park.
“I don't think he could have done any more,” Howe told reporters. “When you look at what he's done in the goal return, he's given us not just the goal return, but work ethic and attitude. Being a No.9 for Newcastle is incredibly difficult. There's a lot of responsibility in that position.
“Of course, Newcastle have had some iconic No.9s over the years. I think it's a great thing for a player to take on, but the responsibility is the big thing. He needs to continue to develop his game to do that over a longer period of time. Certainly, he's probably put himself in a good position to do it.”