A big Newcastle United development has emerged over midfield gem Isaac Hayden...

What's the latest?

The Magpies defensive midfielder has revealed that he is closing in on a return from the knee injury that has kept him out of action since December.

Hayden has not played a single Premier League match for the Toon since he suffered a blow in the 4-0 defeat to Manchester City at St. James' Park and is now on the verge of overcoming his setback.

Although he will miss tonight's clash with Crystal Palace and indeed the rest of the term, it's encouraging that he's training again.

He Tweeted: "Road to recovery nearly complete, forever smiling."

Eddie Howe will be delighted

The Magpies head coach will surely be elated with this news as it means that the midfield enforcer will be fit heading into the 2022/23 campaign.

He will not be able to play in the remaining matches of the current season, as he is not on the club's 25-man Premier League roster, but he will come back as an option next term.

After being left out of Howe's squad in January, Hayden outlined his commitment to the club as he said:

“I am bitterly disappointed to have not been included in the 25-man squad for the second half of this season due to injury. Now is a time for me to reflect. I'll be working harder than ever before to come back stronger, like I always do.

“I'll be a supporter like everyone else and l'll be supporting the lads and the staff as best I can for the rest of the season." These comments show that he is desperate to remain involved at St. James' Park and Howe will surely want to keep hold of such a positive character, as he can have an influence in the dressing room with the younger players. Hayden has buckets full of Premier League experience and can be a useful option to call upon next season, particularly with this update suggesting that he will be fit to get a full pre-season in. The ex-Arsenal man has played 118 times in the top-flight and 171 matches for the Toon in total. He can be a reliable, experienced, player for Howe to lean on when required and that is why the head coach will be buzzing with his return from injury, even if it does not have any bearing on the current campaign as they look to evade relegation to the Championship.

AND in other news, Howe can unearth his own Ginola in Newcastle's rarely-seen 19 y/o "bright talent"...