‘Deserves’: Shay Given really wants 25-year-old Newcastle player to start vs AC Milan tonight

‘Deserves’: Shay Given really wants 25-year-old Newcastle player to start vs AC Milan tonight

Eddie Howe has some huge decisions to make ahead of Newcastle United’s Champions League opener against AC Milan.

The Magpies head to the San Siro on the back of an important 1-0 win over Brentford that saw Howe make multiple changes to his starting lineup. Those changes paid off, begging the question should the Newcastle manager stick or twist against AC Milan tonight?

It has been reported that he will in fact twist, with Alexander Isak and Sandro Tonali set to come into the side. They are the club’s two most expensive players ever, but were unused substitutes at the weekend.

 

However, they are seemingly set to start at the San Siro, which will likely be bad news for Callum Wilson and one of Newcastle’s midfielders.

 

Bruno Guimaraes is certain to start, which means Tonali will replace one of the local lads – Sean Longstaff or Elliot Anderson.

Shay Given wants Sean Longstaff to start against AC Milan
Given has spoke to the Monday Night Club on BBC Radio 5Live about Howe’s team selection ahead of the Champions League clash with AC Milan.

 

“There’s decisions to make tomorrow [tonight],” he said.

 

 

 

 

“Who starts up front, Wilson or Isak? Does Tonali come back into midfield?

“Longstaff deserves to start in midfield as well. It’s going to be interesting to see what his [Eddie Howe] team.

“Does he make lots of changes or stick to the team that just won at the weekend? That’s the decision he has to make.”

Longstaff must start for Newcastle
With Joelinton and Joe Willock injured, Howe’s midfield almost picks itself. And with Bruno and Tonali due to start, the Toon boss must pick one out of Longstaff, Anderson and Lewis Miley.

 

Longstaff is the obvious pick. He is the most experienced, and the best suited to rise to such an exciting and intense occasion.

 

The 25-year-old started for the first time this season on Saturday and really grew into the game, and you could tell that Bruno benefitted from the local lad’s presence.

 

Given believes that Longstaff deserves to start, and he looks likely to do just that. It will certainly be an emotional moment for the young man, as he represents his boyhood club in the Champions League.