Eddie Howe issues Newcastle United update on Callum Wilson – as Alexander Isak pushes for recall

Eddie Howe’s backed Callum Wilson to let his feet do his talking on the pitch – after speaking to him at Newcastle United’s training ground.
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The England international has only scored one goal since returning from the World Cup.

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Howe’s side haven’t scored for three games, and striker Wilson – who started the defeats to Manchester City and Manchester United – is under pressure ahead of this afternoon’s Premier League home game against Wolverhampton Wanderers.

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Alexander Isak is pushing for a return to the starting XI, and Wilson spoke about the “noise” around the team’s goalscoring problems on The Footballer’s Football Podcast this week.

“We haven't been scoring our chances,” said Wilson. “I'm partly to blame, because I'm a striker – and I take full responsibility.

"Let everybody from the outside do their talking, because I hear a lot of noise, and people try to show you different things that are negative, and you've got to use that as motivation – and do your talking on the pitch.”

Howe previously worked with Wilson at Bournemouth.

Newcastle United striker Callum Wilson.Newcastle United striker Callum Wilson.
Newcastle United striker Callum Wilson.

“I’m lucky in the respect that I know Callum, as you say, so well,” said Howe. “So I think you can draw on that relationship. You can have conversations that are maybe slightly different.

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“I think the fact that Callum’s taking full ownership of his performances, I think it’s a very, very good thing as well – and I’d say the same to any player in good moments, bad moments.

“Callum’s vastly experienced top player. He has a huge part to play in our season.”

Howe, when asked about the scrutiny Wilson has faced in recent weeks, stressed the importance of his communication with his players.

"I've had conversations with Callum all through my time working with him, in good moments and bad moments,” said United’s head coach. “That doesn't change – and shouldn't change.

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"I'm always in regular communication with my players in the pursuit of excellence. It's not just about lifting someone up if they feel as though they need a lift, it's about the pursuit of greatness.

"Callum has an incredible mindset – he has that already.

“He’s pushing himself all the time. In your playing career, you’re going to have good spells and bad spells, but you need that inner belief always that you’re the best – and I think Callum has got that.”

Wilson was called up to England’s World Cup squad after making a strong start to the season.

"I know Callum’s World Cup dream was very strong in his mind – and he used it as a big motivational tool,” said Howe. “But Callum has always been about more than that. It’s not just short-term targets. He has this vision that he wants to be the best in his field. He’s well motivated on every level.”

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Wilson made two appearances off the bench in Qatar for quarter-finalists England.

“I don’t see that (the World Cup) as being a big down from that experience,” said Howe. “If anything, it was a big high. It left him wanting more. I’d say international football’s still a big driver for him.”