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Eddie Howe has confirmed that Anthony Gordon has assumed the role of penalty taker at Newcastle following the departure of Alexander Isak to Liverpool.
Isak was the Magpies' designated man from 12 yards during his spell with the club, while Callum Wilson used to take penalties when he was not on the field. However, with both men having moved on during the summer transfer window, Newcastle has had to hand responsibilities to another player.
Gordon is the man who has been entrusted with taking penalties for Howe's side, after he scored twice from the spot during Wednesday's Champions League win away to Union Saint-Gilloise.
Confirming Gordon's new responsibility after the game, Howe said: "Yeah, I think Anthony's been practising them a lot. He's been working very hard on his routine.
"You can see that he's very focused. I was really pleased with how he took the two penalties.
"And I think when you see someone as dedicated as he's been towards that, yeah, no hesitation in giving him that role."
New Newcastle striker Nick Woltemade was keen to take the penalties, and Howe had no issues with his striker making that clear on the field.
On Woltemade wanting the penalties, Howe added: "I love it! The best strikers I’ve worked with want to score. Even if there is a directive, they don’t care! They want to score.
"They want that responsibility. I’ve got no issue with that at all."
Woltemade is the man tasked with replacing Isak at Newcastle, and he has made an encouraging start to life at his new club, scoring three times in five appearances.
And Howe is happy with the 23-year-old. Speaking after Newcastle's European win, he said: "People will always discuss transfer fees. For a player, it’s just about committing to what you’re being asked to do.
"He is very good in that respect off the pitch. He does not seem unsettled. He has come into another country, and there is very little fuss.
"He was excellent today. A lot of times, he's the pass before the wingers receive the ball, and so almost their involvement has relied on his ability to play that pass.
"He's going to need crosses to score, that would be one major source of his goals. I'm pleased he's got the goal today because that will help him feel even more embedded into our team."
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