Callum Wilson the man to lead Newcastle into new era, says Eddie Howe

NEWCASTLE: Eddie Howe has backed Callum Wilson to put his Newcastle United injury struggles behind him and prove he can lead the Magpies’ line into a new era.

Howe is targeting a Premier League goal-getter in the summer transfer window, but Wilson, this season’s top-scorer, is still a major part of the manager’s plans for next season.

The former Bournemouth and Coventry man came back with a bang after four-and-a-half months out, transforming the dynamic of the United frontline in a cameo off the bench at Manchester City last weekend.

And Howe believes the 30-year-old, who cost Newcastle around $24 million in the summer of 2020, can prove his fitness and goal-scoring ability in the final two games of the 2021/22 season.

But can Wilson stay fit enough to be a key player for the Magpies? “Absolutely, he can,” said Howe.

“I would say that’s going to be a challenge for him and for us to find a way of working that keeps him in prime physical condition.”

He added: “The way he’s come back in the couple of days’ training we’ve seen already has been pleasantly surprising how physically good he’s looked, but that’s going to be a lot of work from all of us connected with the coaching team, the medical staff and the sports science staff to find a way to keep all of our players fit throughout the season.

“A big part of that is a very good pre-season because players need a good load behind them to make them resilient and strong. You have to get the balance right because if you go too high or too low, then you risk injuries both ways, so trying to find that optimum spot goes a long way for your whole squad trying to remain fit through a tough Premier League campaign.”

Wilson was subbed on to replace Chris Wood, who was signed