Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has hinted that Ryan Fraser is still very much in his mind despite the winger being linked with Southampton and Brentford for a January exit. Fraser was instrumental during Howe's early days in charge at Newcastle but the winger has not been involved in a Premier League game since October. Fraser did put in a decent showing during the 5-0 win over Al-Hilal but has not entered the pitch since.
Fraser, like team-mates Jamaal Lascelles, Jamal Lewis and Jacob Murphy, has been told to battle for his place. Howe insisted Fraser was still around and said this weekend: "He’s training very well. Ryan’s working hard. "We have competition for places.
"We don’t have a deep squad in terms of numbers but I think the quality we have is very high."
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Allan Saint-Maximin eager to grasp chance in cup double
The French winger admitted during the trip to Saudi Arabia that he could no longe be considered an automatic pick for the Magpies. Since then he has been working hard and waiting for his first start since August in the Premier League.
But it is expected that Saint-Maximin plays a fuller part in the tie at Sheff Wed in the FA Cup and potentially against Leicester on Tuesday night in the League Cup. Howe has kept faith with Joelinton in his front three in recent matches but with the team unbeaten, Saint-Maximin can have few complaints.
Cup fever grips Tyneside against BIG night on Tuesday
Newcastle will be bidding for a place in the semi-final of the League Cup for the first time since 1976 on Tuesday and will have a capacity crowd right behind them.
The last time United had an opportunity like this at this stage, they were beaten 1-0 by then Championship side Brentford behind closed doors during the lockdown. And, in another game with no fans, at the last eight stage of the FA Cup it was Man City who ended hopes of a trip to Wembley.
But this time around given Newcastle's fine form they are hot favourites to send the city into further excitement by edging into the last four.
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