Fernandez came off the bench in last night’s 1-1 draw against Norwich City following the ninth-minute dismissal of Ciaran Clark.
And Fernandez – who hadn’t even made the bench for the club’s previous five Premier League games – played his part in a gutsy performance from Howe’s 10-man team at St James’s Park.
"I can’t speak for anyone else, all I can speak is the player that I’ve worked with so far,” said Howe. “He’s been the ultimate professional, a real leader of the group, a respected figure. I think he proved today he’s still an outstanding player, I thought he defended magnificently.
"I haven’t seen too much of Feddy yet. The week that I missed with Covid meant that I had limited training time with the group. But I was delighted to give him his opportunity. I thought Feddy played really, really well.”
5. Leeds expected to make Brereton Diaz move
Leeds United are expected to make a serious push to snare away Ben Brereton Diaz from Championship side Blackburn Rovers in January. Newcastle United are also keen. (Eurosport) (Photo by Christian Alvarenga/Getty Images) Photo: Christian Alvarenga
6. Foxes plot Wolves raid
Leicester City have set their sights on Wolves loanee Hwang Hee-chan ahead of the January transfer window. (Football Insider) (Photo by Stephen Pond/Getty Images) Photo: Stephen Pond
7. Toon eye Brozovic
Newcastle United's new owners are prepared to pay “crazy money” to sign Marcelo Brozovic next year, but the player himself isn't overly keen on a move to Tyneside. (The Athletic) (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images) Photo: Marco Luzzani
8. Leeds keen on Kokcu
Leeds United are keen on signing Feyenoord midfielder Orkun Kokcu and have been watching him closely. AS Roma are also being touted as potential suitors. (Freek Jansen) (Photo by Filip Filipovic/Getty Images) Photo: Filip Filipovic