EDDIE HOWE admits Callum Wilson’s remarkable scoring record against West Ham United was a factor in his decision to restore the striker to the starting line-up for this evening’s 5-1 win at the London Stadium.

Wilson had been on the bench for the three games prior to the trip to east London, but returned to the starting side in place of Alexander Isak.

The number nine responded with a goal in either half, with his brace meaning he has now scored 12 goals in 13 matches against the Hammers for both Newcastle and Bournemouth.

Howe said: “I’m lucky to have managed Callum for most of those goals, probably. I’m aware of his record against West Ham. I wouldn’t say it was defining factor behind the decision, but it certainly played a part.

“Callum was very good, that goes without saying, and the two goals were very important goals for us. His all-round performance was very strong, but that’s not a surprise to me. I can’t rate Callum any higher than I do, and with him and Alex, we’ve got two outstanding centre-forwards.”

After Wilson scored his two goals, Isak left the bench to claim a goal of his own, and Howe admits he is an extremely fortunate position to be presiding over two centre-forwards in sparkling goalscoring form.

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The Magpies boss said: “I think I’ve got a strong squad, and with three games in six days, I want the players to enter the pitch in the best physical condition possible.

“In my opinion, I’d be foolish not to rotate and trust the team. I trust the squad and the players coming in. I’ve got no doubt on the quality, and we’ve got a lot of games in a short period of time.

“It’s always going to be judged by the result whether that (the rotation) is successful or not, and of course I want to keep people fit and give them the best chance to play as many games as possible.”