Miguel Almiron is in "contention" to start Newcastle United's encounter with Tottenham Hotspur.
The Paraguay captain played 34 minutes in the 3-0 defeat at Aston Villa and is now eyeing a start after shaking off a thigh problem. Eddie Howe is toying with the idea if restoring him to his front three against Spurs.
When asked what his role could be this weekend, Howe said: "He’s an option, I'd say he's in contention (to start).
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"He's had minimal training and has trained well as Miggy usually does. I was pleased to see him back on the pitch but prior to that he had quite a long absence so we’ll wait and see. I’ll try and make the right call for him and the team."
Almiron remains the club's top marksman with 11 goals to his name and is now in the mood to finish the campaign with the Magpies' best internal tally. It's a challenge thrown down to him with eight matches left from the boss.
Speaking about Almiron's goalscoring exploits, just one year after he scored the BBC Match of the Day goal of the month to stun Crystal Palace, Howe said: "I’d say it’s probably slightly unusual to have the change in his goal scoring this year compared to previous seasons. The player deserves huge credit because he’s really got his head down and worked and he’s developed his game."
Talking about his transformation from a player in and out of his team to the top scorer, Howe said: "I see him honing his skills finishing-wise regularly after training to try and be the best he can be in the positions he is going to find himself in. It’s all come from his own hard work.
"He’s always had the physical capabilities to deliver. Off the ball, he’s an incredible performer for us and certainly helps us with our high-intensity pressing game that we want to implement.
"On the ball, he has vastly developed his game. He's now has a unique way of playing and has unique relationships with the team, with Kieran Trippier, Sean Longstaff and Bruno.
"It's quite evident when we play how he links up with those players. His game is in a good place and we are delighted to get him back fit. He’s a big player for us."
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