Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe admits Sean Longstaff can count himself 'unlucky' to have missed out of the Magpies' win against Everton.
Goals from Ryan Fraser, Kieran Trippier and a Mason Holgate own-goal earned United a 3-1 victory on Tuesday night to lift the club out of the relegation zone for the first time since October.
It is also the first time Newcastle have recorded back-to-back wins this season, following on from the hard-fought triumph at Leeds United more than a fortnight ago.
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Longstaff came on as a first-half substitute in the 1-0 win at Elland Road, replacing Joelinton who was forced off with a suspected groin injury.
January signing Bruno Guimaraes also came into contention to start against the Toffees, having joined his new team-mates in training from Friday after international duty with Brazil.
However, Howe opted against handing the former Lyon midfielder a starting spot, and admits Longstaff was unfortunate not to feature at all following his display against Marcelo Bielsa's side.
He told NUFC TV: "I believe in rewarding players who perform well. I'm not someone who openly wants to change the team for changes' sake.
"Players also have to earn their place in the team, and I'm not just going to give them that. So the players that come in have added a realy competition for places, that's a massive thing for us and I'm delighted with that.
"But Joe Willock last week was outstanding, Sean Longstaff can count himself unlucky not to start. Joelinton has been outstanding since I've arrived at the football club.
"Bruno is an outstanding talent, I think you saw in his little cameo how good he is. But I've got to introduce him at the right time to the benefit of the team.
"New players like Dan [Burn] coming in adds competition but I thought the two centre-halves were really good tonight, so it's a healthy competition for places."
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