Tino Livramento's failure to arrive at St James' Park with his Newcastle co-stars raised suspicions before the Boxing Day drubbing of Aston Villa. Thankfully, Eddie Howe has a more than capable replacement waiting in the wings for these scenarios.

Kieran Trippier, in his fourth start of the campaign, deputised expertly in Livramento's illness-induced absence, with Newcastle's backline shutting out Villa's 10 men with ease. Going forward, the right-back was a familiar nuisance alongside Jacob Murphy as the Magpies ventured into attacking positions throughout.

Leadership off the ball to cool proceedings when they turned feisty and calmness in possession whenever he received it; Thursday's display should serve as the ideal reminder to Howe - and those urging Newcastle to cash in next month - that retaining Trippier's services once again is the smart move.

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The player's future remains up in the air, with a potential exit set to dominate the back pages during the winter window. Howe fought to keep Trippier in the summer but with multiple clubs, in multiple countries, chasing his signature both then and now it could be another battle to again persuade the 34-year-old to remain at St James' Park.

The north east outfit are hoping to be active in the January window but that requires player sales. Trippier, Miguel Almiron, Sean Longstaff, Matt Targett and Callum Wilson are among those who could realistically make way to free up transfer funds or wages.

While Trippier wouldn't attract a hefty fee, he does rank among Newcastle's top earners. There is also the dilemma of the former England international potentially eyeing one last challenge elsewhere before he hangs up his boots.

However, Newcastle need two viable, first-team options in every position and an ongoing battle between Trippier and Livramento benefits both players and the team as a collective. There's also the brutal truth of Howe being forced into the market for a replacement right-back should the experienced defender depart in the coming weeks.

“It was a very strong performance from Kieran. He has been waiting patiently," Howe said after Trippier's return. "I think the little cameos he’s had in recent weeks have certainly helped him to get his feeling and rhythm back.

"He is a vastly experienced player and I had no doubt at all today that he would do well. The question mark was how long would he last, due to a lack of game time? But I thought he did very well when he was on the pitch, so let’s see how he reacts to the game."

It remains to be seen whether we are witnessing the last days of Trippier's Newcastle stint. It would be a shame to see him moved on to satisfy PSR concerns before January comes to an end.