‘So important’ - Eddie Howe praises Newcastle United midfielder ruled out of Borussia Dortmund match

Matt Ritchie is part of the ‘leadership group’ at Newcastle but is yet to feature in a competitive game so far this season. The 34-year-old midfielder started just two cup matches for The Magpies last season with a further eight substitute appearances in all competitions.

Ritchie has been left out of Newcastle’s Champions League squad for the group stage matches but has continued to train with the first-team in preparation for the match against Borussia Dortmund.

And Howe was keen to stress the former AFC Bournemouth player’s important role behind the scenes.

“Matty has been a role model to the players about how to conduct yourself every day,” Howe told The Gazette. “His training attitude has been first class.

“He’s very loud on the training pitch, a real leader, and you need characters like that, you need people who bring the energy and enthusiasm to training sessions.

“It’s been a really good thing to see from him because he’s not necessarily been used on the pitch but he’s trained as if he’s been starting which is a huge thing for me.

“It’s so, so important you have players who fill their roles to the maximum they can. Also, he’s still got high quality, we had a session a few days ago where I thought he was excellent so, if needed, he can play too.”

Ritchie joined Newcastle from Bournemouth in 2016 and has since gone on to make 198 appearances for the club in all competitions, scoring 24 goals. The Magpies triggered a one-year contract extension for the player over the summer.

While Ritchie’s game-time has been limited in recent seasons, only Jamaal Lascelles and Paul Dummett have made more Newcastle appearances in the current squad.