Isaac Hayden ‘bitterly disappointed’ at being left out of Newcastle’s Premier League squad

NEWCASTLE: Midfielder Isaac Hayden has spoken of his “bitter disappointment” at not being named in Newcastle United’s 25-man Premier League squad for the remainder of the season.

The tough-tackling, popular Magpies player was one of three squad members chopped from the list by head coach Eddie Howe.

Alongside Hayden, Republic of Ireland central defender Ciaran Clark — sent off in the recent friendly win over Al-Ittihad in Jeddah — and Jamal Lewis have also been left out, making them ineligible for the final 17 games of the season.

Taking to social media, Hayden said: “I am bitterly disappointed to have not been included in the 25-man squad for the second half of this season due to injury.

“It’s been a tough 12 months for me, with injuries massively affecting my availability for the club,” he said. “Now is a time for me to reflect. I’ll be working harder than ever before to come back stronger, like I always do.

“I’ll be a supporter like everyone else and l’ll be supporting the lads and the staff as best I can for the rest of the season.

“We all want to see the club climb the table as much as possible and I am no exception. Take care, Isaac.”

United’s five January transfer window signings — Kieran Trippier, Chris Wood, Bruno Guimaraes, Matt Targett and Dan Burn — have all been named in the squad.

Left-back Lewis has been subject to interest from Turkish side Trabzonspor in recent days, having rejected a loan move to Birmingham City in the final hours of the English window;

the transfer window in Turkey does not close until Feb. 8.

Meanwhile, Brazil international Guimaraes has finally flown into Tyneside to meet his new teammates.

The 24-year-old former Lyon midfielder has been away on international duty since