Howe ‘very pleased’ star man did not leave Newcastle after impressive recent form | OneFootball

Eddie Howe says he is “very pleased” striker Will Osula did not leave Newcastle last summer.

Osula scored twice as Newcastle beat West Ham 3-1 and has now netted six goals in his last eight league games.

The 22-year-old was keen to play more football and had clubs interested in signing him last year, but ended up staying at St James’ Park.

“Yes, I think that’s a massive thing,” Howe said on Osula staying at the club. “You look back now and we’re very, very pleased that he didn’t.

“He was obviously desperate to play. He was desperate to prove his worth. Again, he had to be patient in the early stages of this season, but sometimes patience is really worth showing.

“I think I have to praise Graeme Jones, Jason Tindall and a lot of people that have done a lot of work with him. He obviously has to commit to that work, but there’s been an incredible amount of development that’s gone on in his game since he’s been here.

“I wanted to give him a run of games to try and see what he could do.

“I think it’s very difficult for any player if you’re in and out. Sometimes I have to make those decisions where players are in and out because I have to try and always do what’s best for the team and try and get a result in the next game. 

“But I felt he did well enough in those early games to warrant leaving in and he’s really repaid that faith. I think he’s been excellent in recent games. 

“His confidence seems to be growing, his all-round game is improving. He’s a player of huge potential.

“He’s got a great pace and power about him. He’s a really, really good finisher off both feet which is very rare. He’s 6’3″, 6’4”, which is also a really big bonus for us because of set plays and his hold-up play and he’s got a presence up front. 

“So I think he’s got great tools. He still needs a lot of development. He still needs to stay very humble and level because I think there’s a lot more to come from him. But he’s certainly done very well and I’m really pleased for him.”