Howe hands January audition to "highly talented player” after Joelinton blow

Geordie midfielder Joe White is set for an audition with a “pleased” Eddie Howe as he returns to the North East after a loan spell following the news of a season-ending injury to Joelinton.

White has spent the first half of the season on loan at League Two side Crewe Alexandra, who knocked Sunderland out of this season’s Carabao Cup in the First Round.

Playing in a variety of midfield roles for the Railwaymen, the 21-year-old returns to Tyneside with three goals and two assists in 20 games in the fourth tier.

Howe has spoken publicly about White in recent days saying he was “really pleased” with his recent form.

“He had certain things to work on, but he’s gone on loan, played regularly and is starting to contribute goals and assists”

“He’s done very well, especially latterly in his loan. He’s a really highly talented player”.

https://twitter.com/Edit_Kev/status/1747253352847548764

White returns to a Newcastle midfield devastated by injury with Willock and Anderson out and Joelinton joining them on the treatment table, following fears he could be out for the season if groin surgery is required. Added to the suspension of Tonali, the Toon are light on midfield reinforcements.

Howe said that there was a “decision” to be made on whether White was able to make the step up to the first team. If White impresses, he could feature alongside two other academy graduates in midfield for the senior team with Sean Longstaff and 17-year-old Lewis Miley becoming regulars in the starting eleven lately.

Newcastle may prefer to replace Joelinton with a January signing, but Howe has been happy to field academy graduates in the past and may feel this is the perfect time to give White his chance, providing he impresses over the next fortnight.