The reason why Eddie Howe keeps snubbing Lewis Hall at Newcastle United revealed

A lack of defensive discipline is why Lewis Hall has spent most of this season on the Newcastle United sidelines, according to reports.

Supporters have been left puzzled by the youngster’s omission despite the fanfare surrounding his arrival. Signed on loan, Newcastle have an obligation to buy Hall for a reported £28million at the end of the season.

Left-back was an area the Magpies needed to strengthen last summer but, for the most part, Dan Burn has kept his place in the team. Tino Livramento - the other young full-back Newcastle signed - has deputised there on occasion but he is primarily a right-back.

Both products of Chelsea’s academy, Livramento has impressed at almost every opportunity while Hall cuts a frustrated figure from the sidelines. Just 104 minutes - and one start - all season has led fans to question the signing.

However, Eddie Howe revealed ahead of the Chelsea defeat that the 19-year-old remains in his long-term plans on Tyneside. Hall was unable to play against his parent club but Toon fans joked how he stood little chance of any action anyway.

A report from The Athletic has suggested defensive fragilities are why Howe has been scared to trust Hall at the back. Hooking the youngster in trips to Borussia Dortmund and Bournemouth, his only two starts, at half-time are signs that Howe does not feel he can rely on Hall in defence.

Livramento, on the other hand, has jumped ahead of him in the pecking order despite being a natural right-back. But Kieran Trippier’s injury forces Howe to pick the former Southampton man in his favoured role - possibly opening up an opportunity for Hall.