Howe has faith in his rotation policy

NOW SCHAR IS FACING A SHORT SPELL ON THE SIDELINES AFTER SUFFERING CONCUSSION

- By LEE RYDER Chief Newcastle writer

EDDIE Howe has defended his squad rotation policy ahead of Newcastle United's long trip to Bournemouth tomorrow.

The Magpies must shake off the disappointment of losing to Barcelona in the Champions League with many fans questioning why Howe left Nick Woltemade out of his starting lineup to face the La Liga giants.

After Woltemade had marked his debut with the winning goal against Wolverhampton Wanderers last weekend the £69million recruit was benched against Barca.

This resulted in Howe's side lacking a focal point for long periods of the Barca game as his front three of three wingers in Anthony Elanga, Anthony Gordon and Harvey Barnes.

But Howe explained his selection policy after being quizzed on Woltemade and said: “The big thing for me is whoever enters the pitch, whoever we decide to play, you want them at their best physical condition to execute what we ask them to do.