Eddie Howe was delighted with Sven Botman's full debut as the Dutch defender helped keep a clean sheet in the stalemate at Brighton & Hove Albion. Botman had been a surprise omission for the 2-0 win over Nottingham Forest with Howe eager to build up his experience in the Premier League.
But that plan came to an abrupt end at Brighton after Matt Targett was ruled out with a hamstring injury. Howe said: "Sven overall, I thought he did very well. He looked composed, solid and had a good partnership with Fabian Schar.
"I was very pleased with him and I thought he used the ball very well, especially in the first half. To come here and be part of a backline that keeps a clean sheet albeit it wasn’t always calm at the back."
Howe hopes that Targett will be declared fit for the clash against Manchester City after the former Aston Villa man picked up a dead leg. Targett complained of discomfort in his hamstring and underwent a scan with Newcastle keeping him on the bench as a precaution more than anything else.
Scotland winger Ryan Fraser did not play because of a back spasm but the injury is not thought to be serious.
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