‘Brilliant’: Eddie Howe says 25-year-old Newcastle player has improved so much in training

So many Newcastle United players have improved under Eddie Howe, but one man who we have not seen much from is Jamal Lewis.

The Newcastle left-back has been back on the bench in recent weeks, but is yet to add to his single Premier League appearance this season.

Despite being fully fit for the entire campaign, Lewis has only made three appearances all season. He played 45 minutes in the Magpies’ run to the Carabao Cup final, while his one and only start came in the FA Cup humiliation against Sheffield Wednesday.

The 25-year-old has been a peripheral figure in Newcastle’s incredible campaign, but that does not mean he has not been improving behind the scenes.

That is the view of Howe, who is very pleased with how the Northern Ireland international is progressing in training.

Eddie Howe delighted with Jamal Lewis ‘behind the scenes’

Ahead of the game against Brighton, Howe spoke to the media. He was asked about Lewis’ future at St James’ Park.

“The future is a little bit unclear for him,” he said.

“He’s very much a valued member of our squad at the moment. I’m very aware I’ve not been able to give him the football he wants this season but I would say his game has developed behind the scenes.

“The work he’s put in behind the scenes every day to improve himself with the coaches here has been brilliant to see.

“His game has been in a really good place, just I haven’t been able to give him the opportunities to show that. He’s someone we value and believe.

“As I sit here now, I don’t know what the future will hold for him next year.”

Newcastle career could come to an end

While Lewis is improving as a player, his chances of playing in black and white appear to be diminishing.

As Howe says, he just has not been able to give Lewis an opportunity. That is understandable given the level Newcastle are playing at, with even Matt Targett struggling to get in the side ahead of Dan Burn.

There has never been an opening for Lewis to play and hold down a place in the side, and he could be even further down the pecking order next season. That is because Howe wants to sign another left-back, with Kieran Tierney expected to move to St James’ Park.

That could signal the end of Lewis’ Newcastle career, and it feels like a move away this summer makes sense. He needs to be playing regular football at his age, and that just isn’t going to happen under Howe – especially with Champions League football potentially on the horizon.