Woltemessi is a nine but he needs to be our fox in the box, says Toon boss

Eddie Howe insists Nick Woltemade IS a 'No 9' after questions were raised about the new Newcastle United forward's most natural position.

- by Dominic Scurr

Woltemade joined the Magpies from VfB Stuttgart at the end of the summer transfer window for a club-record £65 million.

The 23-year-old has largely risen to the challenge, scoring on his debut against Wolverhampton Wanderers and playing a role in goals against Barcelona and Bradford City.

Still, Woltemade's tendancy to drop deep, limited goalmouth action and the fact that he has historically played in deeper roles, has prompted questions about the German's role.

"We don't play with a 10, so I see him as a nine, but a nine who plays differently to others we've had," Howe said.

"You can't compare Nick to Callum Wilson, two totally different profiles. Both can be effective.