Newcastle United news: Eddie Howe handed ‘biggest challenge’ after Dan Burn news
Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe’s “biggest challenge” will be making his new back four gel quickly.
That is the view of former Premier League striker Kevin Phillips, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about the Magpies’ new defensive additions.
Kieran Trippier, Dan Burn and Matt Targett all arrived at St. James’ Park in the January window.
Trippier and Targett started Newcastle’s 3-1 win over Everton on Tuesday night.
As quoted by the Chronicle (11 February), Howe revealed Burn is “ready to play” when his side take on Aston Villa on Sunday.
The centre-half was an unused substitute against the Toffees having struggled with a toe problem in the build-up to the Premier League clash.
When asked by Football Insider for his thoughts on the Magpies’ new-look backline, Phillips said:
“Making this back four gel will be the biggest challenge for Howe. Can he get these new defensive signings to gel and hit the ground running?
“Trippier has already shown that he knows what it’s all about. He’s had a lot of time training with the rest of the squad though.
“Burn and Targett have barely been there for a couple of weeks. They are safe signings. But are they good enough to keep them up? Only time will tell.
“They are all experienced Premier League players though so you’d like to think the they will gel together relatively quickly. This will be a big test.”
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