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