Eddie Howe has explained why Sven Botman was benched for Newcastle United's 1-1 draw with AFC Bournemouth.
The Dutchman - who knocked on Howe's door when left out of the opening game against Nottingham Forest - found himself named as a substitute against the Cherries with Dan Burn picked ahead of him. But Howe has explained why he decided to make a change despite the fact Botman had helped Newcastle to a clean sheet against Crystal Palace only a fortnight ago.
He said: "We managed their load in the week where we had three games, so that was bringing Dan back.
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"I just feel his leadership skills and his experience, we need that in our team at the moment.
"Sven is going to be an outstanding player and will play many, many games for this club. "We love him to bits, but Dan just gets the nod at the moment."
Botman has spoken of his curiosity of not starting every game after being a regular at Lille and then making a £34million transfer to Newcastle. He told Chronicle Live last month: "I spoke with the gaffer about it. He had his reasons and I had to accept it.
"And in the end, everything happens for a reason. At the moment I am happy and I am playing. So I hope it will continue like this and I will try to help the team as much as possible."
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