What’s going on with Will Osula? – Howe reveals all in Friday’s press conference

Another injury setback for Callum Wilson has left us short on options up top, meaning Friday morning’s press conference was the ideal opportunity for journalists to ask about the Danish talent’s progress behind the scenes and hopes of more first-team action.

Eddie Howe spoke in depth about the 21-year-old and his comments will be music to the ears of Osula himself and fans concerned by his lack of involvement so far.

Howe started by revealing that the big striker is “readier than he’s ever been” and “really impressed” in training, encouraging Osula to “step up” and “grab any opportunity” in Wilson’s asbence:

“We’ve been really impressed with him (Osula). I think now, with us having worked with him for a few months, he’s readier than he’s ever been. Obviously, with Callum’s injury, he’s going to have to step up and grab any opportunity that comes his way.

“He has all the attributes you need – I think supporters who have watched him play in the brief time that he’s played will have seen that he’s big, he’s very quick and he’s strong, there’s just a refinement that’s needed, and the only thing that can really bring that is time. But he’s certainly getting there.”

Howe admitted it was a “huge jump” for the Dane to join Newcastle over the summer, but hailed his “top” attitude to training as he bids to develop into a quality Premier League striker.

“I just think it’s a huge jump for him, in every way, naturally. I’ve been really, really impressed by him. His attitude to learning is top. He’s there with a variety of coaches after training every day, working on his game.

“I think that’s the thing – there’s not one thing for Will. It’s not a case of trying to fix or improve this or that – it’s just the time that’s needed to improve all aspects of his game and his understanding. You don’t suddenly just land and become a Premier League striker, you have to work towards that as a young player, and he’s making great strides.”

Last season, many question Howe for his handling of Lewis Hall, who rarely played but was always praised for his work behind the scenes as he worked on his fitness, physicality and the defensive side of his game.

You could argue that Osula is having a similar season, where there’s an emphasis on his development each week in training over the minutes he receives from game to game.

For balance, Osula is 21 – a few years older than Hall was last season – and may have to step up soon with Wilson out, but Howe has spoken so highly about his profile, attitude and progress behind the scenes, so hopefully we see the fruits of this soon.