Eddie Howe has made it clear that Matt Targett's time will come again in Newcastle United's starting XI.
The £15million man has started just four games this season after picking up a leg injury early in the campaign then seeing Dan Burn leapfrong him into the left-back slot he made his own last term. Targett has been an unused sub in three of the last four matches but is back in contention for the League Cup clash against Crystal Palace.
When asked about Targett's situation, Howe told the Chronicle Live: "Matt has trained very, very well behind the scenes. "He's very keen to play and I wouldn't say he is happy not to play.
"But I think there's a difference between being unhappy and sort of accepting of the situation. "Now Matt has seen the team go on a brilliant run, Dan Burn has played very well.
"I don't think he's felt that he could have an argument about not playing currently. That doesn't mean he doesn't want to or feels he deserves to, he will potentially get the opportunity to do that in the coming weeks."
Burn's form even led to calls that he should be going to the World Cup with England. However, Howe made it clear that regardless of Burn's excellent run the route to the first-team was still very much open for Targett.
The former AFC Bournemouth boss said: "He's a top quality player and there is no doubt to me about the level of his ability. So that's a really good position for me to be in because I've got players that are desperate to play and are outstanding talents."
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