The ‘difficult’ Allan Saint-Maximin and Ryan Fraser decision Eddie Howe has at Newcastle United

Eddie Howe has revealed both Ryan Fraser and Allan Saint-Maximin prefer to play as left-wingers.

And that could leave the Newcastle United head coach with a difficult selection dilemma in weeks to come.

Following the Frenchman’s absence against Brentford last week, Fraser excelled on the left-hand side during the 2-0 victory in West London.

The Scotland international gave Magpies summer target Kristoffer Ajer a torrid afternoon as he assisted Joelinton’s opener in a man of the match display.

With Saint-Maximin, who has been suffering from a calf injury, set to come back into the fold soon, Howe has a decision to make.

Does he hand Fraser an extended run in his favoured position or does Saint-Maximin get the nod, keeping the Scot on the right side instead?

“Ryan has played very well historically for me on the left-hand side at Bournemouth,” Howe said. “I’d say that was his most consistent position.

“Here, I’ve probably used him off the right more due to Maxi (Saint-Maximin) preferring that side as well. It’s a difficult one.

“Both players prefer that side but I believe, and I said this to Ryan right at the start of his career with me, good players can play in multiple positions and Ryan has proved that for Scotland.

“He’s played up front but he’s very good off the right-hand side, slightly different in how he plays the position but he’s very good off both flanks.”

Ryan Fraser’s turnaround

Prior to Howe’s arrival in November, Fraser looked unfit and uninterested after struggling for a consistent run of games under Steve Bruce.

The reunion with Howe, who he spent seven years under at Bournemouth, has ignited his United career, which has seen the 28-year-old nominated for the February Premier League player of the month award.

When asked if Fraser was low on confidence and morale when Howe first took charge of Newcastle, the 44-year-old said: “Not particularly, no. I know Ryan so well that technically and technically I had no doubts about him at all.

“The beauty of me coming in is that he knew what I wanted straight away, and I think that was an advantage for him. I haven’t had to put too much information into him, it’s been a case of just giving him an opportunity to play.

“He hadn’t played consistent football for a long time so he needed those games to find his rhythm again, and in the last few games we’ve seen that return.

“He can impact with goals and assists, and the ball for Joelinton last week was of the highest level with his left foot.”