Eddie Howe tells Newcastle United squad members to follow Sean Longstaff's example

Eddie Howe wants his Newcastle United squad to use Sean Longstaff's situation as an example when it come to winning a place in his Newcastle United starting XI.

The Geordie midfielder lost his place in October and had to patiently battle for a starting slot in Howe's side again. Howe has had a much bigger squad at his disposal this season meaning he has been forced into some unpopular decisions.

The Newcastle head coach saiid: "Yes, I couldn't agree more. I thought Sean played really well today.

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"I thought his technical ability was really high, he played some lovely passes. His defensive understanding is always very, very strong.

"He knows where to stand, he knows how I want the team to play in every situation, so I'm delighted for him because it's not been an easy period for him. He's had to work his way back into the team and then when you get your opportunity, you have to take it. I think he's done that in the last two games."

Longstaff has now been in Howe's side for two big wins over Chelsea in the Carabao Cup and Arsenal in the Premier League. With Alexander Isak, Bruno Guimaraes and Anthony Gordon all on song against the Gunners, Longstaff said: "We’ve said we're only as good as the top players in our team are, really, and they'll take us as far as we'll go, really. If they're at it, then we're a good team. If they're not, then we're not as good."