£15m Newcastle United man in line to start vs AFC Wimbledon after double injury blow

The 21-year-old joined from Sheffield United in the summer for an initial £10million, which could rise to £5m in add-ons, but his only competitive appearance so far was a brief cameo in the recent 3-1 defeat at Fulham.

But with both Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson ruled out because of injury and Anthony Gordon perhaps in need of a rest following his efforts against Manchester City on Saturday, Osula is hoping to make his St James’ Park bow.

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe explained: “Of course, we're light in the centre forward area. I thought Anthony [Gordon] did really well on Saturday. I was really pleased with his commitment to the role. His endeavour to press I thought was incredible. And I think that gave us a really good route into the game in terms of our press and our intensity - going back to the level that it has been historically.

“We really like Will [Osula]. I think he's settled in really well. He's training well behind the scenes, we're developing his game in lots of different areas. So yeah, I'll have to make a decision on the team.”

Geordie Journos on ShotsTV! Dom & Jordan pick their best Newcastle United games

Osula’s only outing prior to Fulham was in pre-season against Stade Brestois. It was a game that the Denmark under-21s impressed in having witnessed a goal ruled out for offside.

“As I say all the time with new signings, there is a process these players have to go through depending on their respective pathways and how they get to this point,” Howe added.

“Will has come in and we were well aware we’d have to work with him as coaches and Will as the player to develop himself and improve every area of his game to become a Premier League striker.

“We feel he has the attributes to do that - very quick, physically excellent, he’s a tall and imposing character and probably his best asset in running in behind and stretching the line for us.

“He’s got things to smoothen out in his game but we’ve seen already from the battles he’s had with our centre-halves in training that he has an ability to score goals and to have a physical impact in the game.

“We’re working hard with him and he’s working hard - his attitude has been excellent. His career, and game, is going in the right direction.”