Sven Botman answers big Newcastle United selection question

Howe must choose his pairing in central defence, and it’s seemingly a case of who will partner summer signing Sven Botman.

Botman, signed from Lille for £35million, is left-footed, but he can also play on the right, and fans have been speculation on whether he’ll play with right-footed Fabian Schar – or left-footed Dan Burn.

Botman’s preference, not surprisingly, is to play on the left, though he’s happy to play on the right.

“Well, I like the left side more,” said the 22-year-old. “I actually played for three or four years not on the right side, so it will be a little bit uncomfortable (to play on the right).

"The game (against 1860 Munich in pre-season), I was looking left, right. It was a little bit strange.

"People think the centre-back left or right is totally the same position, but totally different. It’s the same with left-back or right-back. It’s not the same. I prefer the left, but I will play where the coach needs me.”

Botman – who spoke to the Gazette at length about his move to United – quickly settled into squad during this month’s tour of Austria.

Asked about his first experiences as a United player, he said: “Nice, really good. The first few days, I was new to everything, so I had to adapt a lot of things, but this kind of camp (Austria) has quickened up the process.”