Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe is expected to continue starting Dan Burn despite some questionable performances this season.
This has been suggested by The Chronicle’s Andrew Musgrove as he previewed this weekend’s game on the Everything is Black & White podcast.
The Blyth-born defender made a return home earlier this year when Eddie Howe and PIF brought him back to Tyneside in January from Brighton & Hove Albion.
However, Musgrove has called the 30-year-old out for some “ropey” performances this season for the Magpies as Matt Targett waits in the wings.
But having put in a real shift on the weekend in the victory over Tottenham Hotspur, Musgrove expects Burn to retain his spot in the upcoming game against Aston Villa.
He said: “Do you know what? Dan Burn against Spurs I thought was really good. He has had a few ropey games, in my opinion, in recent weeks.
“But the last two games, Everton and Spurs, I think he’s done really well and I think he’ll be starting against Villa.”
TIF Thoughts on Musgrove’s comments…
It is slightly surprising to hear the criticism of Burn from previous games this season given that the Magpies currently boast the best defensive record in the Premier League.
Who should be starting at left-back?
Dan Burn
Matt Targett
Burn has now been shifted back over to left-back having played at centre-back for the Magpies last term, but it seems Howe is happy enough with Burn to keep Targett sat in the dugout.
The 30-year-old did give away a penalty earlier in the season against Brentford, which may be influencing Musgrove’s comments, but it is apparent the Englishman still feels hard done by the handball decision.
Perhaps the only slight criticism we can think of is his lack of goal threat. It feels like the obvious thing to say, but at his height, we do think Burn should be nodding in a few goals from set pieces, which has not been the case at Newcastle.