Sven Botman was asked to push himself to the limit against Wolverhampton Wanderers after Fabian Schar missed the clash at St James' Park due to an illness.

The Dutchman has now played 180 Premier League minutes and may have to go again when AFC Bournemouth come to St James' Park if Schar does not shake off his illness. Had Schar been fit, Botman may have been in for a bench role with Blyth lad Dan Burn in the form of his life.

But big decisions must now be made as Newcastle's season hits crunch time. Speaking to reporters about Botman's willingness to put himself in contention for two games in four days against Wolves and Bournemouth, Howe said: "He has been brilliant and I can't speak highly enough. It is one thing playing but you then have to find your rhythm because then you are in at the deep end. He just has that mentality where he just gets on with his job."

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When asked if Schar would be fit to face the Cherries, Howe could not offer any guarantees meaning Botman could have to play back to back games. Howe, who rested Botman against Bromley in the FA Cup and started Schar, said on the Swiss star: "We hope it will be a quick turnaround for him."

It suggests that Schar is ahead in the pecking order when fit, and Botman may well have to find his best fitness and form to edge Burn out of the starting line-up.

Botman, speaking to BBC Newcastle after the game, said: "I have to say that two games in four days was a hard task for the body. But yeah I feel good and fit so it's good."