Isak and Wilson give Howe a big selection headache ...AND HE’S LOVING IT

EDDIE HOWE wants the battle between strikers Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson to drive Newcastle to new heights.

The United boss is facing a selection headache with both £60million Isak and England World Cup star Wilson in top form and scoring.

But the way Howe sets his team up means only one can play up front, flanked by the pace of United’s wingers like Allan Saint-Maximin (with Howe, right), Jacob Murphy and Anthony Gordon.

Sweden international Isak has four goals in his last four appearances, including the last one in the 5-1 thrashing of West Ham after coming off the bench.

Wilson has three goals in three games, including as a sub against Manchester United, and ten for the season. He is back in top shape after doing extra conditioning work and shaking off minor injuries during the international break.

Howe now faces a dilemma over who to start at Brentford tomorrow as they look to tighten their grip on third spot. Whoever is chosen to start is likely to be given a blast for 60 minutes, at which point Howe frequently changes the side and refreshes his forward line from the bench.

Discussing his striker dilemma, Howe said: “You need goals. I want those options. Alex was excellent about my decision at West Ham, and he proved that when he came on and scored. For Callum the roles were reversed – he didn’t start against Manchester United,

Alex played really well, but then Wilson came on and scored.

“Hopefully it will drive both of them on to give more.

“I would never say, ‘You’re a 60-minute player’ because I don’t think that’s healthy for their brains, but the way the game is going, and the way we want to play, it gives a player coming onto the pitch long enough to get into the game. But it all depends on the game, the situation and the players you have on the bench.

“I’ve said many times, Callum and Alex can play together, it’s not just a case of one or the other. I do see a time and a place where they will be on the pitch at the same time.”

The intensity of Newcastle’s play, with constant pressing to win the ball back, then relentless positive forward passes that never give the opposition a break, means they have to use their bench wisely. Two more away games in a row against Brentford and Aston Villa, before a showdown with Spurs at St James’ Park, are a test of that.

Howe said: “Aston Villa will be a totally new challenge because they are going brilliantly, and Brentford’s going to be hard enough.

“Three away games in a row is fairly unique and it affects how we prepare for each one.”