Eddie Howe has predicted that pre-season will be a 'game-changer' for Anthony Gordon after the Newcastle United winger bought into the 'squad feel' at the club.
Gordon has made just three starts for Newcastle since completing his £45m move from Everton and apologised after reacting angrily to being taken off at Brentford back in April. However, Gordon has learned lessons from that flashpoint.
Gordon did not let his disappointment show after he was hooked at half-time against Southampton last month and the 22-year-old was among those substitutes who joined the starters' celebratory huddle after Deniz Undav put through his own net for Newcastle's opener in the 4-1 win against Brighton on Thursday night. Gordon did not get on the field until the 95th minute, but the delighted substitute was whooping as he made his way back to the dressing room after the game and had a huge smile on his face in the team photograph that was taken a short while later.
