IN GOOD NICK FOR MIDFIELD

Giant striker Woltemade revels in new deeper role for Toon... and still manages to grab birthday goal

- BY LEE RYDER

NICK WOLTEMADE has been involved in hush-hush training sessions to master the art of playing in a midfield.

Newcastle's German international, signed in the summer as a forward for £69m, proved his worth in a three-man midfield alongside Jacob Ramsey and Sandro Tonali.

The 24-year-old (left) was involved in plenty of defensive duties at Villa Park, with some smart tackling and crisp passing before netting Newcastle's third as they roared back amid a refereeing horror show to send 10-man Aston Villa crashing out of the FA Cup.

Woltemade's display left Eddie Howe delighted and it was little wonder that he was shoved towards the fans to feel the love from the travelling Toon support.

"I was really pleased with him," said Howe. "His attitude to what we have been asking him to do in recent weeks is first class.

"We have been training him in a different position, and he's been outstanding. He has done a lot of work and done it really well.