Howe Seeks Regular Starting Role for Barnes, Dismisses ‘Super Sub’ Label

Newcastle manager Eddie Howe has stated that Harvey Barnes represents “more than” a “super sub” and expressed his desire to integrate the midfielder into the starting lineup with greater consistency. The 26-year-old has participated in every Premier League fixture to date, yet has commenced only five of the 11 games. Despite accumulating 494 minutes on the field thus far, Barnes has successfully netted four goals and contributed one assist. Although he has faced challenges in securing a consistent position in the initial squad recently, the ex-Leicester player once again demonstrated his impact as a substitute during the match against Nottingham Forest prior to the international break, finding the net just three minutes after his introduction. The Magpies are scheduled to play West Ham on Monday night, a fixture where Barnes previously made a significant contribution last season, scoring two goals after being introduced as a substitute, one of which was a crucial 90th-minute winner. “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 and assists,” said Howe. “He was really the pivotal player in our comeback against West Ham last year and if he hadn’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 – I don’t think Harvey would want that tag.” “He’s an outstanding player, who’s got a really good goalscoring record and 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.”