Competition for places can only benefit Magpies

NEWCASTLE United's defenders won't need to be introduced to Anthony Elanga. After all, this is a rapid player who has hurt the Magpies time and time again with his pace over the years.

- By CIARAN KELLY

Elanga's arrival serves as a long-awaited injection of quality to the group, a signal that the club are strengthening, a reminder to those regulars who helped Newcastle make history that they are going to have to raise their game.

It has been nearly two years since Newcastle made such an addition due to PSR constraints.

While there has been intense competition for places in one or two areas in that time - at right-back and on the left wing - Eddie Howe has lacked genuine selection dilemmas in others.

Take the right wing, for instance. Jacob Murphy was the club's only natural option in the second half of last season after Miguel Almiron's mid-season departure.

In truth, even when Almiron was at the club, Murphy started more often than not in the Paraguay international's final year at St James' Park.