EDDIE HOWE is hoping Anthony Gordon’s attacking versatility will enable him to force his way into the England squad for this summer’s European Championships – and expects the winger to be fit to face Manchester City in tomorrow’s FA Cup quarter-final at the Etihad.

Gordon limped out of Monday’s defeat at Chelsea with a knee injury, but while it was initially feared he could have suffered an injury-ending issue, scans have allayed those worries and enabled the winger to return to training this week.

As a result, the 23-year-old was handed a maiden call-up to Gareth Southgate’s England squad yesterday, and is set to make his senior international debut during this month’s friendly double-header against Brazil and Belgium.

READ MORE:

Beyond that, Gordon will be hoping to force his way into the 23-man squad for this summer’s Euros in Germany, with his ability to play in an attacking role on the left or right, or potentially even as a central striker, boosting his chances of being involved in the finals.

“It certainly can’t harm his chances,” said Howe. “When we signed him, we were certainly looking at someone who could play on either side. When you analyse how many wingers in the Premier League can play effectively on both sides, there’s not that many.

“Anthony would prefer the left, but he can play on the right very well and did that for Everton a lot. That versatility is important. It’s important for us, and I’m sure it will be important for Gareth as well.

“I’m delighted (he got the call-up). I know it’s been a big aim and ambition of his since he was a boy. He fully deserves it in my opinion, he’s been outstanding this year. I think he’s continued to grow week on week, and I’m delighted that’s been recognised.

“He’s worked so hard. From the first day of pre-season after coming back from the Euros (Under-21s) with his country and doing so well there, he didn’t stop. He’s scored goals, he’s created goals and he’s done brilliantly for the team.”

With Gordon’s importance to Newcastle’s cause having been evident throughout the campaign, Howe admits he had his heart in his mouth when the winger limped off at Stamford Bridge.

On countless occasions this season, Howe has received damaging injury updates in the days after matches. For once, the news on Gordon elicited a sigh of relief.

“It was a strange one,” said the Magpies boss. “Initially, when you see a player come off like that, you do fear a serious injury. But he partly trained yesterday, and what I mean by that is that we didn’t do a great deal because of the schedule we’ve had this week.

“But he joined in and seemed okay. We don’t think he did anything serious, and that’s great for us. We train again today. We’ll do a full session, and we’ll make a judgement after that.”

While Gordon should be fit to start at the Etihad, Newcastle will be once again be without Harvey Barnes. The summer signing from Leicester City has suffered an injury-hit campaign, and is still struggling with the hamstring injury sustained in the league win over Wolves.

“Harvey won’t make the squad,” admitted Howe. “But we hope he’ll be back for West Ham. He’s hugely frustrated. He was very down after the Wolves game because he knew he’d felt something in his hamstring and, usually, that’s going to take a period of time to get right.

“He’s desperate to do well for Newcastle. You saw his quality when he came on against Luton and scored instantly. He is a goalscorer and we’ve missed him. I know the qualities he has, and I’m desperate for him to show that everybody.

“Whether this hamstring injury is related to his foot injury, there is a possibility that’s the case. But he’s on the grass already, and we’re hoping he can be back soon and have a positive impact towards the end of the season.”