Training will continue to push squad

NEWCASTLE United’s players are coping with the extra demands placed on them by the new coaching staff, Jason Tindall has confirmed.

Vice-captain Jonjo Shelvey (pictured below) said earlier this week that he was initially falling asleep at 8pm at night after the intensity levels were upped at the training ground in Eddie Howe’s first week.

The former Bournemouth boss has been reviewing training sessions from his hotel room as he has been battling with Covid this week and has spoken with some players.

After so long playing in a defensively minded manner, the Magpies are going through a lot of changes all at once.

However, Tindall believes the players are adapting to the new methods of Howe’s regime and reckons they will get stronger as the weeks go by.

The former Bournemouth boss said: “In terms of the first four or five days, how they were feeling the following day, even compared to this week the demand has still been the same.

“The physical outputs have been very good but they have probably adapted a lot better and they are looking good in training.

“So there is always that adaption period of time but hopefully they are over that now and they can deliver that on a consistent basis.”

Meanwhile, Dwight Gayle faces a late fitness check to see if he will be available to face Arsenal this afternoon.

The former Crystal Palace striker, who has been used just four times this season, has picked up a muscle injury and staff will assess the forward ahead of Newcastle’s tough clash at the Emirates Stadium.

Tindall said: “Dwight Gayle was feeling his hamstring slightly so that’s one that will be assessed.

“Other than that there’s been no new injury concerns for us.”