CALLUM Wilson is "hugely respected" at Newcastle United and remains a key part of Eddie Howe's plans for the future.

Newcastle's number nine was the main man up top for the Magpies last season and in the first half of the current campaign but Alexander Isak has pushed his way to the front of the queue with seven goals in his last seven outings for Howe's side.

Since scoring a double in the win at West Ham, Wilson has had to settle for a place on the bench for the last three games, but he remains an integral member of the squad with a major role to play, says Howe, who hasn't even entertained the idea of letting the former Bournemouth striker leave this summer.

Howe has plenty of options in midfield and attack and plans to continue to make the most of his squad depth, which means players will have to cope with spells out of the side.

"How you manage the squad is important," he said.

"I think the players need to understand that it's a long season, there's loads of games, everyone will get an opportunity to play, and then ultimately it's how the player takes that opportunity as to whether they play or not.

"I'll always say the power is in the player's hands, the manager just picks what he sees. Callum is hugely respected here, loved by coaching and players, and we see his long-term future here. So I certainly wouldn't want to see him leave."

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Wilson got a goal from the bench in the 6-1 win over Tottenham and will be hoping for a start at Everton tonight, though Isak strengthened his case with a brace against Spurs.

Speaking on The Footballer's Football Podcast earlier this month, Wilson told of how he was "angry" at being dropped for the game at Brentford after scoring a double at West Ham, but his reaction in training has been exactly what Howe hoped for and expected from a player he knows very well.

He said: "He's conducted himself very well. There's been no problem with his demeanour, his mood, but underneath that I can see that he's fiercely determined to get his place back.

"I see a player that knows what he wants and he's working to do that. He's trained very well, I have to say. The response in training, which is the first thing that I look for as the manager, there are loads of different reactions you can give if you're disappointed, upset and angry.

"But the best response is to train to your best level and he's done that and full credit to Callum. That's why he's come on the pitch and scored because he's been in a very good place mentally."