Newcastle United striker Callum Wilson has revealed that both Matt Ritchie and Eddie Howe have positively influenced his life as he detailed the impact the pair have had during his footballing career.
Since his return from the World Cup, Wilson has only found the back of the net on one occasion in the Premier League for Newcastle. His six goals in the league before the tournament in Qatar helped his side to rocket up the Premier League table and cement themselves in the running for a Champions League spot.
Howe's squad are still very much in the mix but Wilson has personally struggled of late. Alexander Isak's recent form, scoring three goals in his last two starts for the Tyneside club, have left the Newcastle boss with somewhat of a selection headache upon the conclusion of the current international break.
Yet Wilson knows that he has people he can turn to within the Newcastle camp for moral support and guidance during his tough patch as he revealed that both Howe and Ritchie have been there for him - and continue to be - away from the pitch.
"I’ve known him [Howe] for eight years and he’s very good at keeping me grounded," Wilson told Penalty. "He’s a big influence in my life. Matt Ritchie is also a positive influence in my life and is always making me strive for more.
"It shows how in football you can form friendships that last forever."
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