Magpies boss pleased with 'outstanding player'

NEWCASTLE

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United head coach Eddie Howe insists he has been 'really pleased' with Fabian Schar's application since falling out of the starting XI, despite the defender airing his frustrations earlier this week.Schar was interviewed in the club's matchday programme ahead of the 2-2 draw with Tottenham Hotspur on Tuesday evening and admitted he had found it difficult being out of the team. The Swiss international missed three games with a concussion injury he picked up in Newcastle's defeat to Barcelona back in September and had started the season well, just as he ended last term in good form, too.

But his absence handed Malick Thiaw an opportunity in the back four and the German international has quickly emerged as one of the club's outstanding performers.