Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe faces another difficult conversation with Sven Botman or Fabian Schar ahead of the clash with Fulham at the weekend.

It was the former Switzerland international who got the nod to start in the 3-1 win over Southampton at the weekend with Botman an unused substitute on the South Coast. Howe says that the Dutchman has had the chance to finesse his physical condition following a nine-month lay off with a knee injury.

This weekend Howe will face the impossible situation of keeping Schar, Botman and Blyth lad Dan Burn all happy when the Cottagers come to Tyneside. Howe opted to select Schar alongside Dan Burn against the Saints with Botman left out on the South Coast.

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That was a huge call from Howe, given Botman's stature in the squad, and his fitness situation can't be worked into selection reasoning forever - something the Dutchman may bring up in future chats on the team.

Yet Burn is hardly playing like a man who deserves to be dropped right now; if anything, he is in the best form of his career at the club. Howe told reporters: "It is very tough. I am not going to lie!

"That (Schar or Botman) was one of the toughest calls that I have had this season because our love for Sven is so high. Taking everything into account he is just back from a long-term injury. This isn't a negative for him. It is very much a positive.

"That he can continue to build his sharpness and fitness while not in the spotlight of playing. That does not mean he is not ready to play because he has a valuable part to play. It also puts pressure on the players that are (playing) which is hugely important. I thought Fabian came back into the team and did very well."

Burn's run of sparkling form has been one of the stories of the season. Shunted in at left-back last season Burn came through a rocky spell but this season he has played 22 out of 23 Premier League matches missing just one top-flight game through suspension.

The former Darlington and Fulham star said: "I feel confident. I think I'm just surprised that people are surprised that I was doing well at centre-half because that was my position. I still feel that I can perform at full-back, but obviously, I've played centre-half my whole life."