Work permit delays were the reason behind the delay in record signing Alexander Isak’s Newcastle United debut.
The former Real Sociedad striker watched on from the stands at Molineux as Allan Saint-Maximin’s stunning late volley earned his new side a point against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Sunday afternoon.
Speaking after the game, Magpies manager Eddie Howe admitted his disappointment at the delays over Isak’s work permit and expressed his hopes that a debut could come at Liverpool in midweek.
He said: “This is our first one (work permit) since I’ve been here which has taken this long. I don’t know if the Bank Holiday weekend had something to do with it.
“I would be hugely disappointed if we couldn’t use him on Wednesday (at Liverpool) in some capacity.”
Howe will hope to name Isak in his starting lineup at Anfield for the first time and see his new number 14 in action for the first time in what will hopefully be a goal-laden career at St James Park.
The Sweden international inherits a squad number worn by one of Newcastle’s greatest Premier League ‘Entertainers’, more than one cult hero and the scorer of one of the Magpies most memorable Champions League goals.
NewcastleWorld takes a look at the men that have worn United’s number 14 prior to their record-breaking addition.
1. 1993-95: Alex Mathie
Photo: Getty Images
2. 1995-97: David Ginola
Photo: Getty Images
3. 1997-2000: Temuri Ketsbaia
Photo: Getty Images
4. 2000-03: Wayne Quinn
Photo: Getty Images