SHOCKING NEWCASTLE MENACE MORPHS INTO EDDIE HOWE’S SECRET WEAPON – THE NEXT CALLUM WILSON IS HERE AND IT’S **NOT** WOLTEADE! (YOU WON’T BELIEVE WHO!)

Eddie Howe’s decision to rotate his squad for Newcastle United’s midweek EFL Cup clash with Tottenham Hotspur proved successful, as the Magpies maintained their winning momentum with a 2-0 victory — their third straight win in all competitions.

Several fringe players stepped up impressively. Aaron Ramsdale, deputising for Nick Pope, kept a clean sheet, while Joe Willock provided an assist and Fabian Schar — recently out of Premier League contention — found the net.

The result showcased Newcastle’s squad depth and Howe’s growing tactical flexibility.

The match also reignited discussion about Callum Wilson, once Newcastle’s reliable goal source.

Before departing for West Ham United in the summer, the 33-year-old scored 49 goals in 130 appearances for the Magpies.

Even after Alexander Isak’s arrival reduced his minutes, Wilson remained a lethal presence, notching nine Premier League goals in 2022/23 despite starting only nine games.

Unfortunately, recurring injuries derailed his final season on Tyneside, where he missed 29 matches.

Still, he remains fondly remembered as an exceptional “matchday finisher,” as praised by coach Graeme Jones.

Now, Howe appears to have found Wilson’s natural successor in Nick Woltemade.

The 6ft 6in German forward has emerged as Newcastle’s new focal point in attack, delivering four Premier League goals so far — averaging one every 120 minutes — and needing few touches to make an impact.

Unlike Wilson, Woltemade is leading the line consistently in Isak’s absence, showing signs of becoming a key long-term attacking asset.

However, if anyone embodies Wilson’s role as a reliable impact substitute, it is Harvey Barnes.

The ex-Leicester City winger has proven his worth off the bench, contributing four goal involvements this season — including two quickfire strikes in the Champions League against Benfica — despite limited minutes.

Injuries have restricted Barnes to just 77 appearances since joining Newcastle, but his tally of 17 goals underlines his effectiveness when fit.

While Woltemade looks set to become Howe’s new attacking spearhead, Barnes has established himself as a potent weapon in reserve — echoing the influence and reliability once synonymous with Callum Wilson’s best days on Tyneside.