Eddie Howe says that Chris Wood will be one of the first names on his team sheet against Southampton. The New Zealand international centre-forward is still searching for his opening goal in Newcastle colours after seven games but Howe insists it doesn't just boil down to goals.
Howe has a limited choice anyway when it comes to centre-forwards with Callum Wilson ruled out until the latter stages of the campaign and only Dwight Gayle - not deemed a target man - as a recognised striker in terms of back-up. Of course, Howe also has Joelinton as an option but the £40million man is having an incredible season in midfield.
In theory, Howe could move rejuvenated Joelinton back into his attack to accommodate Bruno Guimaraes in midfield but the head coach has a group of players pushing for starts from the sidelines.
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Asked if a lack of goals would ever enter his thought process on selection for ex-Burnley man Wood, Howe said: "No, I wouldn't be changing Chris - at all. "I think he's been outstanding since he arrived.
"I think he does a lot of things that a lot of people wouldn't evidently see that has had a dramatic effect on the team.
"So he's given us an ability to retain the ball from loads of different situations whether it's a goal kick, free-kick, longer ball and he's brought other people into play in a subtle way.
"His tactical understanding and I know I say this about a few players, but his tactical delivery of our out of possession game plan have been at the highest level. For somebody who is 6ft 4in that is not always seen."
Howe also insisted he did not care about a lack of goals from Wood, the former AFC Bournemouth boss added: "Yes he hasn't scored but the team has performed. "I don't care, you could have somebody who doesn't score but he is assisting and helping other players and doing his job for the team.
"That's what Chris has done. "I can't speak highly enough of him and I have no thoughts of taking him out of the team at all."
