Eddie Howe wants Sven Botman to use his his early days at Newcastle United to study the Premier League after finding himself on the bench for the opener against Nottingham Forest.
Howe went with Fabian Schar and Dan Burn as his starters for the new season in the centre-back department and neither star did anything to suggest he will change things ahead of the weekend trip to Brighton & Hove Albion. The Toon boss hinted Botman may have to wait a little longer for his first start.
Some United fans were surprised to see Botman on the bench for the 2-0 win over Forest but Howe's policy is not too far removed from the manner in which he allowed Bruno Guimaraes to bed in at St James' Park. The £34million signing from Lille is eager to start but Howe had given a clear indication of his thought process.
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Howe said: "Sven has been a long-term target for us – I’m delighted to have signed him. This period – however long it is before he gets to start – will do him the world of good.
"He’ll get to know the league and get to know the speed, and I’ve got absolutely no doubts about him as a player. He’s going to be a top player for this football club in my opinion, but there’s real competition for places.
"Fabian, Dan and Jamaal are not going to give their shirts up easily, and it’s a battle that I’ll love to see unfold. Knowing I’ve got that quality bodes well for the season ahead."
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