Willock may not start for Newcastle again after private stance revealed - pundit

Joe Willock may not start a Premier League game for Newcastle United again this season despite his impressive performances off the bench.

That is the view of ex-England and Aston Villa striker Gabby Agbonlahor, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about the future of the on-loan Arsenal star after he scored his third goal in as many substitute appearances at the weekend.

Willock fired home a late equaliser for Newcastle at Anfield to earn his side a vital point in their battle to avoid relegation.

Football Insider revealed last week the 21-year-old had told his Newcastle teammates he would love to remain at the club next season.

When he moved to St James' Park in January, Newcastle and Arsenal discussed the idea of the midfielder being at the club next season but nothing was written into the contract.

Asked for his assessment of Willock's future, Agbonlahor told Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley: “It’s hard, to be honest.

“He might also think to himself ‘I want to go back to Arsenal and have a go.’ He’s gone out and proved himself. He’ll always have in his mind that he wants to go back and play.

“I don’t think he’ll go back to Newcastle permanently. I think he’ll want to go to Arsenal and fight for his position.

“I don’t think he will start games for Newcastle. I don’t think Steve Bruce will change it. He’s come on and scored so many important goals.

“If I’m a manager I’m thinking ‘Bring him on next game at the same time, 20 minutes to go, he’ll probably score another important goal.’

“I don’t see him starting because to come on and score so many late goals they’ll want him to do it again.

“He’ll be frustrated. Steve Bruce is the sort of manager that doesn’t care if you’re from Arsenal on loan, he’ll play the right team to win a game.”

In other news, a former Premier League referee has been left baffled after a Newcastle United star escaped a lengthy ban.