DAN DARE... PLAYER OF THE FUTURE
Howe hails 6ft 6in Toon hero: Burn is incredible... he’s a tower of strength in any position
DAN BURN has been backed by boss Eddie Howe after becoming the target of opposition tactics.
The Geordie left-back has helped Newcastle to the best defensive record in the top flight this season. But the 6ft 6in giant has struggled recently with opponents squeezing his space, leading to a dip in his form. Burn is under pressure from Matt Targett for his place against Tottenham today following the 3-0 defeat at Aston Villa, but Howe prefers not to change his back four. Howe has hit back at “external” critics, saying that Burn adds “unmeasurable” qualities to his team. Newcastle have conceded just 24 goals in 30 league games, four fewer than the next-best Manchester City.
Howe said: “Dan Burn is an incredible player and incredible person. What he gives to us sometimes you can’t measure.
“The strength that type of player gives you in certain moments, whatever position he plays, is huge.
“Looking at the season as a whole, Dan has been incredible.
“We didn’t necessarily plan to have him at left-back. That happened through injuries, and he has played incredibly well. His attitude and application has been a high standard.
“His presence is valued. I am not aware of downsides.
“He is a well-liked character internally. I am surprised if he is getting criticism externally.”
Kieran Trippier, Fab Schar and Sven Botman have been Toon backline mainstays but Howe added: “I pick the best defence to win the next game.
“You don’t want wholesale changes week in, week out and so lose the balance and solidity that a settled backfour gives you. “I have no problem with change, but you have to believe that it’s the right change at the right moment.
“This back-four have been outstanding. Does one bad day constitute a need to change? I don’t know.”
Targett, who has made just four PL starts this season, is fit and waiting for a chance, and said: “Yes, it has been difficult not playing. I understand what has been going on.
“I have been professional, worked hard and when I get
We never understimate the power of the Toon Army
an opportunity I am ready to show the manager I deserve to be back in.”
Howe is hoping today for a repeat of the performance and atmosphere he saw in the big home wins this term against Chelsea and Manchester United. He believes the Toon Army can carry them, and said: “Never underestimate its power and importance. We certainly don’t.
“Getting a united crowd when we came to the football club was one of most important things we needed to do. If not the most important.
“We needed to get a link between the team and the supporters and make St James’ Park a feared place to come. Now the key thing is to keep that link.”