Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe clears up Harvey Barnes' squad status and best XI answer

Eddie Howe does not believe his current squad at Newcastle United contains a "best XI" but feels being spoilt for choice is a huge positive this season.

The debate rages on in pubs and clubs on Tyneside over whether Sandro Tonali should be starting games and if so, alongside who. Howe is also managing a delicate situation with Harvey Barnes, who has four goals this term, and knows he can't keep leaving the £38million on the bench.

But with Joelinton and Anthony Gordon in great form, who would make way for the ex-Leicester City man? When asked whether he knows his best starting line-up, Howe admitted he'd rarely been in a better position during his 600-game managerial career.

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Howe told Chronicle Live: "I don't think it's in existence. I don't think I have a definitive 'that is my best XI' at Newcastle.

"I think it changes because we have top quality players and form fluctuates as well to a degree. So you are always taking each game on an individual basis and trying to pick the right team for that respective game. I think we've got a really good group of players. And that best line-up or best perceived line-up could change depending on form or fitness.

"I think it is a great position to be in. I don't think I've been in that position in my managerial career many times. I think there has usually been a clear XI. I am not sure that is the case this year."

One player who sees his squad status as unclear this term has been Barnes with the FA Cup winner starting just five matches from 11 Premier League games this term. Has his role now been deemed one of impact sub or super sub?

Howe said: "I certainly don't see him as a super sub, although he has done really well from the bench for us and has contributed goals, assists. He was really the pivotal player in our comeback against West Ham last year and if he doesn't come on the pitch with the right attitude we don't win that game.

"Certainly he's more than that and he's capable of more than that, certainly I don't think Harvey would want that tag. He's an outstanding player, who's got a really good goalscoring record and got a goalscoring ability that he's always had in his career.

"So I'd love to find a way to work him into the team on a consistent basis, that will be down to Harvey if he continues to do well. He's certainly knocking on the door to play regularly."