Callum Wilson and Alexander Isak continue to battle it out for the Newcastle United central striker role - and that may be the case for the foreseeable future after the Magpies got their campaign firmly back on track.
The attacking duo have been deployed together at times this season, usually when one has been introduced for the bench mid-game. In that scenario, Isak has been often played in behind Wilson in a 'Number 10' role, impressing when used in that position.
However, Isak looks to have cemented his place as Howe's go-to striker for the upcoming fixtures after a stellar showing and fine finish in the 2-1 win over Wolves on Sunday. Howe has since insisted he doesn't envisage starting both players together long-term.
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“I think I've answered this question so many times," the Newcastle boss said when asked about the two being used at the same time. "Yes, it's a possibility, but the game has got to be right, the moment has got to be right.
“I don't see that necessarily, as I sit here now, as a long-term solution to consistently do it because I'm not sure that would help the balance of the team. But certainly in moments in some games, that would definitely be an option for me.”
Isak has struggled for regular starts in recent months after suffering a serious thigh issue following his £58m summer move. The Swede repaid Howe's faith on Sunday as he returned from the outset and put Newcastle into the lead.
Howe now believes Isak is capable of 'great things' in a black and white shirt. "Everything that a centre-forward needs, I think he has," he said.
"He has pace, technique, strength, and then the goal pleases me because it’s not necessarily his trademark, but he needs to score all different types of goals.
“It was a really good ball in, and a really good header. I think he’s capable of great things – it’s up to us now to keep him in a good place and feed him in the right areas.”
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