Eddie Howe admits Newcastle solution vs Liverpool without Alexander Isak is not ideal

Eddie Howe has admitted Anthony Gordon can’t “fill the boots” of Alexander Isak ahead of Newcastle United’s clash against Liverpool on Monday.

With no Isak to call upon at St James’ Park, Gordon is expected to start in the no.9 role, as he did last week when Newcastle faced Aston Villa. Typically a winger, Gordon enjoyed some good moments at Villa Park, including a run in behind that forced Ezri Konsa to drag down his international team-mate, resulting in a red card for the defender.

Howe revealed he and his coaching staff have spent time with Gordon this week working on certain aspects of playing as a striker, but admitted the boyhood Liverpool fan is no Isak replacement.

“He’s an attacker and he’s a very good attacker,” said the ex-Bournemouth boss.

“The beauty of Anthony when we signed him was he can play right, left and potentially down the middle, something that he has done before. He’s done it for England, so it’s not something totally new to him

“I don't think anyone can fill Alex's boots and Anthony will know that,” Howe continued. “He's not trying to be Alex, he's got to be himself.

“If he'd scored at Aston Villa, you'd say: 'That's the perfect No. 9 performance.' He had seven shots in the game, looked threatening and got a man sent off.

“He was using his qualities, which are his speed and dribbling skills. Yes, we were missing a goal from the overall performance but hopefully those will come.

“It's a bit different for him. We're training him there at the moment and he's beginning to get that rhythm that you need playing in the position and the understanding and tactical knowledge you need because the role is different.”

Gordon started three games last season in a center forward role, as per Transfermarkt, including the home match against Manchester City when Isak was injured.

Howe will hope Monday’s game is the last where Gordon must be utilized as a striker and the Newcastle head coach said he cannot envisage a scenario where Isak leaves and another no.9 is not brought in before the transfer deadline on September 1.

Speaking on Friday, Howe confirmed Isak, who is still training in isolation, will not be involved against Liverpool.

The 47-year-old added he would like to call upon the Swede’s services and claimed Isak can still be reintegrated into the squad.

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