Eddie Howe believes that Nick Woltemade's positional switch to a midfielder in the second half of the season was 'imperative' given the club's injury woes.

The Magpies have been without skipper Bruno Guimaraes since February with a hamstring injury while Sandro Tonali has been in and out the team with illness and injury. That has resulted in Germany international Nick Woltemade being used in a deeper role with Howe grateful to the £69million star for helping the team in its hour of need.

When asked about Woltemade's move to drop deeper and away from leading the line, Howe told Chronicle Live: "I think it is a great thing for everybody.

"For us, if you have versatile players, it gives you a lot more choice and options on how you play - especially when you have injuries in your squad. It is almost imperative we have that.

"From the players' perspective, I think it is great for their learning. It is potentially great for their careers."

Howe moved Joelinton from a frustrated striker into a midfielder in his first few games...