William Osula reveals final Eddie Howe gesture that re-ignited Newcastle United career

William Osula is edging back to full fitness after missing six big games but will be eyeing more glory nights in a Newcastle United shirt

William Oslua admits that being handed the number 10 shirt at Newcastle United gave him the show of faith he was hoping for in the summer.

Osula was finally in training after two months out in the build-up to this evening’s clash at Coventry City, and will be desperate to get his season back on track. It started perfectly with an assist for Anthony Elanga on the opening day against Liverpool before he was forced off with a foot injury.

It hasn’t always been easy at Newcastle for the former Sheffield United player, but he has never kicked up a fuss and waited patiently for his chance. That came at the end of last season when, with hopes of silverware over for Eddie Howe, the 6ft 4in 23-year-old was afforded a run in the team with the £10million man responding with five goals in his final seven matches.

Howe’s last gesture to Osula was to throw him the 10 shirt previously worn by Anthony Gordon with the head coach’s plan, before he decided to call it a day on Tyneside, to ensure that the Copenhagen-born star was always set for a starring role this term.

When asked if one of Howe’s last acts as Newcastle boss helped guide him on what had sometimes been an uncertain future, Osula said: “Absolutely. It’s a nice feeling.