Eddie Howe names surprise duo who still have ‘big roles’ to play at Newcastle United

Eddie Howe revealed that Matt Ritchie and Federico Fernandez still have ‘big roles’ to play for the club this season.

The forgotten duo haven’t played a single minute of league football in 2022, being down the pecking order following the arrival of Matt Targett and Dan Burn but also managing ongoing injury issues since the turn of the year.

They’ve managed a combined seven Premier League appearances since Howe’s arrival, but the 44-year-old insists they have “a big part to play on and off the pitch”, saying they’re real leaders, great pros and loud voices in the dressing room.

test pre-match press conference, here’s what the NUFC boss had to say about both:

Howe on Matt Ritchie:

“Big role for Matt Ritchie, he’s had quite a serious knee injury. Recently came back and has had minimal training time. He was probably put on the bench before he was ready to be. Due to numbers that opportunity was given to him.

“Now we’ve gone away and trained with him and he’s in a much better place physically. But he’s a player that I trust, I admire him and he’s got a big part to play on and off the field because he’s a really big voice in the dressing room.”

Howe on Federico Fernandez:

“He does (have a part to play), he’s very similar to Matty. He’s a big voice, definitely a leader in the group. He’s a great character, I love Fede, really level-headed but very intelligent. And I think he knows what the group needs.

“He’s had various injuries since I came in. I wouldn’t say at this time he’s 100% fit. He is building up his resilience and he needs more training time. Injuries have knocked him slightly but he’s someone we can rely on when we need him and he’ll never let us down.

He’s one of those great characters every squad needs and we’re delighted to have him.”

Prior to the arrival of January signing Dan Burn, many fans were eager to see the return of Federico Fernandez with some labelling him as the best defender at the club.

With eight games left to play and safety almost secured, it’ll be interesting to see if either are given a chance alongside the likes of Dwight Gayle and

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