Newcastle United already have £35m winger solution if Eddie Howe is brave enough

Eddie Howe and the Newcastle fans have been chuntering on all summer about the need for a quality outside-right to help secure a return to European football.

It was hoped – nay expected – that the transfer window would produce the solution. Well perhaps the answer lies in-house and can be exercised when Spurs come to St James’ Park on Sunday. I would play Harvey Barnes on the right wing and keep Anthony Gordon on his usual left side. Not the other way round.

They are two good players and if there is a need to get all your good players on the pitch this would be a way of doing it.

I watched Barnes closely in the Carabao Cup tie at Nottingham Forest and every time he got the ball he cut inside. If he is that right footed then let him play on the right where he could widen the pitch and get in crosses. On the left cutting inside he is narrowing the pitch and for a centre-forward that is not what you want. I should know. Gordon, unlike Barnes, can go either way so he is fine where he is.

There is another possibility for Howe to try at some stage, either during a match or from the start.

I noticed that Lee Carsley on handing a first England call up to Tino Livramento pointed out how versatile the lad is and how he can also play left-back and right wing. Certainly he is smooth enough in possession to play high up the pitch and so Eddie could use him in front of Kieran Trippier. It is a thought.

I must congratulate Livramento on his England inclusion. I am a big fan of his and I’m chuffed that his talent has been recognised. I’m also pleased for Nick Pope getting back onto the international scene and for Anthony Gordon after his snub during the Euros. I feel that Howe often hasn’t a Plan B during matches. The ability to do something a little different to make the opposition think and not just make like for like substitutions. That is why Barnes on the right or Tino playing in front of Tripps is worth consideration.

United are facing a massive challenge against Spurs, their first confrontation with a Super Six side after playing three run-of-the-mill PL teams so far. The transfer window is closed and now United have to get on with it. Can they cope?

Well Sandro Tonali is a massive plus, like a new player which to a great extent he is. I thought he was terrific at the City Ground. Considering he had been out for 10 months his touch was good and he was up to the pace of the game. The lad is a thoroughbred, he has the ability to adapt to any given situation, and he will get better and better.

Tonali now looks as though he is enjoying his football whereas his body language was very different when he first arrived, and having learned English he will settle so much easier. Everyone expects Tonali, Bruno and Joelinton to be United’s middle three but right now if I had to pick a midfield I would go for Sean Longstaff ahead of Big Joe.

After a wonderful performance against Southampton the big Brazilian has had two stinkers looking really out of sorts while Longstaff grafts away in the shadows. I felt the way the pair of them approached their penalties in the shoot out told us everything. Joelinton looked devoid of confidence before he missed his whereas Longstaff on the pressure kick that could win it for his side was as cool as can be. Of course Joelinton will come again and be a force but right now he is struggling a bit.

Tottenham have some good players and are a force going forward but they give you chances and SJP is a bogey ground for them. United must get after them and if they do, helped by the crowd, they can go into the international break in a positive position.