Allan Saint-Maximin selection dilemma welcomed by Eddie Howe as he ponders bench role vs Brighton

Eddie Howe must decide whether to bench Allan Saint-Maximin ahead of his anticipated return against Brighton & Hove Albion.

Newcastle have collected four points without the flying French winger and both Ryan Fraser and Jacob Murphy did enough to merit starts when the Seagulls swoop into St James' Park next Saturday.

Saint-Maximin was not with the squad at Brentford after spending last week in France getting "rehab" for a calf injury.

When asked if he faced a dilemma to start the former Nice ace against Brighton, Howe said: "I will take selection dilemmas and tough calls over not having enough strength.

"So Allan coming back in, potentially, would be positive for the team, as would any of the players, if we can get them back.

"The squad is in a good place, feeling confident, the environment is strong but we are going into an intense period of games and we will need the whole squad to pay their part."

Howe, though, was happy to see his Toon side manage to win the game without the influential winger.

He reflected: "It is great to see the team able to cope.

"We are missing some really outstanding individuals but the team is strong enough to get results in their absence.

"That is a good sign for the future."