Fabian Schar's Newcastle future is out of my hands - Eddie Howe

Eddie Howe has clearly stated his desire to retain the services of former Swiss international Fabian Schar next season.

The 34-year-old's contract expires at the end of this campaign, which has been a tough one for everyone, but particularly Schar, who has missed a lot of football this season.

Schar has been a very reliable soldier for Eddie Howe since he arrived at the club. When Howe joined Newcastle, Schar's career on Tyneside looked to be over as he was being constantly overlooked by Steve Bruce, but Howe came in already a fan of Schar and restored him to the starting lineup, a move which proved to be a masterstroke.

The Swiss defender has already been handed several contract extensions of late, but there's a growing feeling that there isn't one coming this time.

Eddie Howe wants Schar to stay

Eddie Howe stated his desire to keep Schar at the club, while Schar himself has spoken about retiring as a Newcastle player, so if it were down to either of those parties, it's likely a foregone conclusion.

Unfortunately, the final decision now rests with Ross Wilson, and Eddie Howe admitted to the media on Friday that he may not get his own way on this one as he spoke about Schar's potential comeback from injury.

"Every situation is different and it is difficult to give a definitive date on that.

"I will be in communication with Ross between now and the end of the season, and when we know, we know.

"His situation was slightly unique. He was very close to returning to full fitness, but then picked up that infection. He is building up his strength and resilience again.

"He is looking a lot more positive in his body at the moment, but whether or not we will see him on the pitch this season, we will wait and see."

Give Schar a chance

Ross Wilson's aim is to reduce the average age of the Newcastle squad, and the defence is where we have the bulk of our ageing players. Kieran Trippier and Emil Krafth are destined to leave at the end of the season, however, as is John Ruddey, so those three departures will bring that figure down.

Whether it's far enough for Wilson to keep Schar around, only he knows at this point, but time will tell.

We'd love Fabi to stay on at Newcastle, though. He's been a bit part of the growth of the team under Howe, and he offers something unique on the pitch. He doesn't need to play every week, but he's a handy tool to have in the arsenal when coming up against teams who sit in a low block.

Also, who doesn't love a Fabian Schar worldie every now and then?