Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has backed Joe Willock to earn an England call-up.

Willock returned to the starting lineup last weekend for Newcastle's 2-1 home victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers.

The 23-year-old received praise for his performance in the narrow win, as he provided an assist for Miguel Almiron's 79th-minute winner.

Willock has represented England at youth level, including the Under-21 side, but he is still yet to receive a call-up to the senior setup.

Speaking ahead of Friday's Premier League away meeting with Nottingham Forest, Howe has stated that he believes Willock is good enough to play at international level.

"That definitely should be an aim of his," Howe said. "I think he has the potential to do it."

"For Joe, he has areas to improve, as all players do in the squad. It is there for him. He is young enough and he has potential to grow.

"Since my time here, he has been excellent and his game has improved. I think he has got more to go. He can get more goals, he can assist more, especially the position he is playing in, he has those moments and chances.

"The goal he scored against Chelsea was a brilliant finish, and if he can add a few more moments like that to his game, he will be knocking on the door."

Willock's wait for an international call-up will go on though, after the midfielder failed to make Southgate's squad for the upcoming Euro 2024 qualifiers against Italy and Ukraine.

The former Arsenal man has featured regularly for the Magpies this season, scoring two goals and contributing three assists in 32 competitive appearances.

Commenting on Willock's ability, Howe added: "He can get around the pitch brilliantly, he dovetails into a wide area for us too, natural rotation into those areas. That versatility to his game is key, he is not a one-dimensional player at all."

Willock is expected to start against Forest on Friday, but Howe will be unable to call upon the services of Joelinton, who will serve the final game of a two-match suspension.

Howe recently confirmed that Anthony Gordon will miss a second straight game due to an ankle injury, which he picked up against Manchester City at the beginning of the month.

Newcastle currently occupy fifth position in the Premier League table with four points separating them from fourth-placed Tottenham Hotspur, who have played two games more. body check tags ::