Newcastle United manager delivers Matt Targett verdict after Aston Villa loan

Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe is "really pleased" with loan signing Matt Targett so far in the first few games since arriving from Aston Villa.

Targett joined the north-east club on transfer deadline day until the end of the season in the aftermath of seeing potential playing time dwindle at Villa Park following the signing of Lucas Digne from Everton to start at left-back for Steven Gerrard 's side.

Almost a month after making the move, Newcastle have gone unbeaten, and the defender has featured in two out of three matches so far and was unavailable for the one missed due to it being against parent club Villa.

Speaking about the early impact of defensive additions Targett and former Birmingham City loanee Dan Burn, who also arrived on deadline day and was named man of the match against Villa when the two sides met earlier this month, Howe was glowing in praise for the pair.

“I think Dan (Burn)’s fitted in really well, as has Matt, on that left-hand side of defence," Howe told the Shields Gazette.

"You’ve got two new players there. Both have taken to what we’ve asked them to do excellently.

"They’ve defended very well first and foremost, which is obviously their job. They really have helped our team.

"I think Dan, especially, has used the ball very well, very composed. Talked well. He’s got leadership qualities. Really pleased with both those players.”

Earlier this week, when asked by the club's TV channel, Targett was coy on what the future holds after this loan spell expires.

"It's just focusing here and now at the moment," Targett told NUFC TV .

"I'm just focusing on my own performances and helping the team make sure we don't get relegated. That's the most important thing.

"Whatever happens after