Eddie Howe has predicted that the goals are 'just around the corner' for Callum Wilson as the Newcastle United number nine bids to end his drought.
Wilson has failed to find the back of the net in any of his last eight games for the club, which is a run that stretches back to October. It is a testament to how prolific Wilson has been for Newcastle that this represents the striker's longest drought at a time when the Magpies, as a whole, have scored just one goal in their last four league games.
Although Newcastle had 16 shots on the night, Wilson only had one glimpse of goal in Saturday's 0-0 draw against Crystal Palace, but the England international's header was easily claimed by goalkeeper Vicente Guaita in the 53rd minute. Wilson did not look his usual explosive self at Selhurst Park and the lethargic 30-year-old was ultimately substituted midway through the second half and replaced by record signing Alexander Isak at a time when Newcastle, obviously, needed a goal. So is Howe worried?
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"Knowing Callum, no," he told reporters. "He’s had very limited training time. He came back from the World Cup and had an illness.
"He's missed big chunks of training and I think that always affects your sharpness as a player - regardless of position. Callum’s worked really hard for the team and, knowing him as I do, the goals are just around the corner.”
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