EDDIE HOWE was delighted to see Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson dovetail so effectively in Newcastle United’s weekend win over Brentford – but the Magpies head coach still does not expect to be using the pair in a two-pronged attack on too many occasions in the remainder of the season.

While Isak spent the first half at the Gtech Community Stadium operating as a lone centre-forward, the Magpies’ fortunes were transformed when Howe introduced Wilson from the substitutes’ bench and switched formations at the break.

Wilson played in the number nine role in the second half, with Isak moving into the number ten position, and the pair linked up superbly for Newcastle’s winner, with Wilson teeing up Isak for a first-time finish that arced into the top corner.

Howe has always maintained there will be circumstances where he pairs his two lead forwards together, but despite the success of Saturday’s second half, he does not envisage it becoming a regular occurrence in the remaining nine games of the campaign.

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“The thinking behind getting Alex and Callum together was pretty obvious really,” said the Magpies head coach. “I just think we needed more of a focal point in the game.

“We needed the ability to run in behind because, for whatever reason, that wasn’t happening in the first half. That was the thinking behind putting those two players together, and I have to say, I thought they linked so well. They really combined together and gave us a totally different look.

“They’re two quality players. Can they play together every week? Tactically, probably not. But can they play together in a game like this? Absolutely.”