Eddie Howe praised Lewis Hall’s progress this season after the full-back was called up by England yesterday.

Hall was a surprise inclusion in the squad for the Nations League games against Greece and the Republic of Ireland later this month as interim boss Lee Carsley attempts to find a solution to the Three Lions’ problems on the left of defence before handing the reins over to Thomas Tuchel.

Hall, who completed a permanent move to St James’ Park over the summer after spending last season on loan from Chelsea, has established himself in the first team in recent weeks and Howe is delighted with his development.

He said: “I am delighted for him. He has had a really good start to the season. He’s very consistent, [has produced] really mature displays. 

“There is still a lot to come from him, we are seeing him evolve week in, week out. He is adding layers to his game all the time. It’s a great achievement for someone so young and we are delighted for him.

“We signed a talented player, there’s no doubt about it. [He] just had a few things to work on, as we all do, regardless of age.”

Eddie Howe on Lewis Hall’s England call-up:

“He has a had a really good start to the season. Consistent and really mature displays. There is still a lot to come from him, he is adding layers to his game all the time. It’s a big achievement and we are delighted for him.” pic.twitter.com/E4AhG5N8cr

— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) November 8, 2024

Howe a fan of Nuno

Newcastle visit third-placed Nottingham Forest on Sunday and Howe is a fan of the work done by Nuno Espirito Santo at the City Ground.

“They are [having a great season]. Nuno deserves credit for the job he has done,” he added. “They have recruited very well in recent transfer windows. They’ve added some really good players to their squad. They have a way of playing that really works for them.

“They are very tough to play against. What a test that’s going to pose to us to score against them. They have a solid defensive base, really good pace in wide areas and threats in the forward positions.”

We need consistency – Howe

Newcastle head into the game on the back of a win after beating Arsenal 1-0 last Saturday.

That result moved them up to 11th in the table and Howe hopes it heralds some more consistent form from his side.

He said: “We are looking at improvements this year. Consistency is a big, big word for us. Not the most interesting response, I know, but these are the things that we judge ourselves by.

“I think, if we can find that ability to win games and put a sequence of results together, the Premier League is so tight, it can really change the feeling.”