Eddie Howe may have unlocked secret to free transfer that could save Newcastle owners millions

Ryan Fraser was speaking about Newcastle United, as a whole, when he said Eddie Howe had 'changed everything' on Saturday, but the Scotland international could so easily have been referring to himself.

It is not exaggeration to say that Fraser had previously looked lost at Newcastle. Niggling injuries played a part but, in an effort to get into the team, the winger even asked the coaching staff to help him learn to play as a number eight last summer.

However, Fraser has since featured in all but one of Howe's 15 games in charge - starting the last 10 - and the winger's performance against Brentford on Saturday was his best display yet.

With Allan Saint-Maximin injured, Fraser started in his preferred role, out on the left, for the first time this season at the Brentford Community Stadium.

Newcastle had been surprised that Brentford had ditched their usual back five for this game but that still meant that Kristoffer Ajer, a centre-back by trade, was there to be got at right-back as the Bees' defence was quite narrow.

Although Fraser only had a day's training with Matt Targett last week, after picking up a knock in the draw against West Ham, the pair caused Brentford real problems in two v one situations.

Fraser even had a hand in Brentford going down to 10 men early doors after the Bees were unable to deal with the Scotland international's cross from the left and Josh Dasilva was then sent off for an awful tackle on Targett.

As well as going on to set up Joelinton's opener after the half-hour mark, Fraser's hooked clearance cut Brentford open in the build-up to Joe Willock's second before half-time.

Fraser now has a goal and an assist in his last four games. While these are not outstanding numbers by any means, they are