Eddie Howe has admitted that Newcastle United will need to replace Jonjo Shelvey after the 'big character' left a 'hole' in the squad following his move to Nottingham Forest.
Shelvey will come up against his former side on Friday for the first time since completing his deadline day move to the City Ground back in January. Although Howe did not want to lose Shelvey in the mid-season window - the move was '99%' out of his hands - the Magpies boss ultimately respected the playmaker's wish to leave.
However, Shelvey's departure left Newcastle with only Bruno Guimaraes, Sean Longstaff, Joelinton, Joe Willock and youngster Elliot Anderson battling it out for three starting spots in the middle of the park. That is a situation that will have to be addressed this summer.
