Matt Targett holds no grudge over first-team absence…

Matt Targett holds no grudge over first-team absence and gives Eddie Howe a positive message

Matt Targett has opened up on his lack of game time with Newcastle United this season.

The left-back has not started a Premier League game in 2023 and last appeared in the opening line-up for a game back in September in against AFC Bournemouth. But he insists he has not got to the point where he has knocked on Eddie Howe's door for showdown talks.

Targett has not been helped by an unfortunate heel bone injury suffered earlier in the campaign or the fact Newcastle have the best defensive record in the top-flight. When asked if he had asked for talks with Howe, Targett told Chronicle Live: "The manager makes the decision that’s best for the team.

"Whenever he’s called on me I’ve always been ready. To do my best for the team and if he decides to pick me on Sunday (against Spurs) I will do my best to help the team get a win."

Targett demonstrated an understanding of the tricky situation he finds himself in. Howe has commented publicly about wanting to stick with an unchanged defence with Dan Burn performing well at left-back this term for the majority of the season.

Targett said: "The last few months have been difficult but I understand what’s been going on. Obviously, the injury didn’t help.

"That was a big setback. Then the team have been doing unbelievably so you know it’s hard to change a winning team.

"At the moment we’ve got the best defensive record in the league so I know it’s hard for me to get back in but I’ve been as professional as I can so I will just hard work to show the manager I’m ready."

Newcastle face Tottenham in a game many feel could be decisive to the Magpies' chances of ending a 20-year wait to play Champions League football. Targett knows the importance of the fixture but feels it might still go on until the last few games of the season.

The Eastleigh lad said: "It’s going right to the wire. It’s a kick in the teeth today (at Villa) but I’m sure we will bounce back next Sunday. It’s a massive, massive game."

Targett returned to his old club at the weekend and got a handy cameo under his belt to boost his fitness. Talking about the atmosphere on Saturday at Villa Park, Targett said: "Yeah, we knew it was going to be a tough game. When Villa Park is up like that it it’s a hard team to play against.

"I know as a player, not many opponents like coming to Villa Park. They make it very difficult for opposition teams.

"I’m happy to see them doing so well but hopefully it’s us that finishes in the top four."

Matt Targett holds no grudge over first-team absence and gives Eddie Howe a positive message

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