TOON WILL LOVE GORDON’S FIGHT
NEWCASTLE (1) v SOUTHAMTPON (0) Howe predicts great things for Newcastle’s new man
EDDIE Howe claims his players will fall in love with new Newcastle teammate Anthony Gordon.
And he revealed the day Gordon squared up to Magpies kipper Kieran Trippier was the moment he knew the 21-year-old would be a smash hit at St James’ Park.
The €46m signing will be introduced to the Toon Army before tonight’s League Cup decider against Southampton.
It will be his first public appearance at the ground since he was in the Everton side which lost 1-0 in October – a game remembered for his clash with Trippier.
Arrival
While his arrival has split the fan base, Howe is in no doubt Gordon will soon become a firm favourite in the dressing room and in the stands.
“It’s interesting looking back on that footage,” he says of that incident four months ago.
“You don’t think anything of it at the time because he’s an opposing player.
“But now he’s one of us and our players will embrace that spirit he has and that passion.
“I like the fact he didn’t stand down that day. He was aggressive in standing his position.
“The supporters will love that about him.
“He brings something different to us and while it will take time to feel part of the group, these players will grow to love him.”
Gordon is expected to make his Toon debut at home to West Ham on Saturday even though his last weeks at Everton were traumatic.
Howe added: “For someone of his age, we’re going to really support him and guide him through this move.
Pressed
“Certainly from the person I met on Sunday, I was hugely impressed by how he handled it.
“You go to a new club and it can be daunting but I thought he was excellent in everything he had to encounter, meeting new team-mates, new coaching staff, getting a lot of information and trying to settle in.”
Howe has a decision to make on who will lead the Newcastle attack tonight.
Record signing Alexander Isak was outstanding off the bench in the first leg, laying on the only goal of the game for Joelinton.
Callum Wilson had an offnight on the English south coast and is without a goal since October 29 but Howe remains his biggest supporter.
“I have always backed Callum historically to score goals,” said the Toon boss. “He thrives and lives for them.
“And I have never doubted him as a player.
“This week has probably been his first weeks’ full training since the World Cup.
“To be at his best, any player has to training consistently so we are really pleased with him this week.”
And last night he fired David Moyes’ side into the lead with his eighth of the season in the
10th minute then teed up strike partner Michail Antonio after the break.
Derby are fourth in League One and were on a 19-game unbeaten run in all competitions.
But that was comfortably ended as a shock rarely looked likely as West Ham, without rested talisman Declan Rice, dominated from early on.
Bowen found the net after Tomas Soucek headed Antonio’s lofted pass into his path.
His close-range leftfoot volley finish found the back of the net.
County tried to respond with Conor Hourihane thumping a left-foot shot just over