Lewis Hall update arrives from Eddie Howe after 54 minutes of football all season

Speaking to the press on Friday morning, Eddie Howe was quizzed on Lewis Hall after just 54 minutes of football so far this season.

The boss insists he has a “big role” to play, praising his performances in training, his ability to play in various positions and the way he’s settled into life on Tyneside after a “big change in his life” after moving from London at the age of 18.

Since sealing a loan-to-buy move from Chelsea, he’s played nine minutes of Premier League football in our 8-0 win over Sheffield United and was taken off at half-time in our 1-0 cup win over Man City. Other than that, he’s not featured.

Howe believes “the best of him is yet to come”, previously explaining that his fitness levels have been improving steadily after a a limited pre-season with Chelsea:

“He has a big role (to play). He’s a talented player. He can play various positions for us, which in our current position we are going to need.

“He’s been training well and is adapting to a big change in his life. For a such a young player to move from London and settle in here, I think he’s done it well.

“The best of him is yet to come, no doubt. He is a talented lad.

“When you get a moment – he started the Man City game and it was a difficult first half for us – you have to take it and play well.”

It’ll be interesting to see if Hall starts at Old Trafford tomorrow. He played the first 45 minutes in our last cup match, starting in midfield.

However, with Joe Willock fit again, Joelinton back and Matt Targett likely to come in at left-back, I wouldn’t be surprised if he comes off the bench on Wednesday night.