Newcastle United are in a great position as the season draws to a close.

Despite one of the most turbulent and dramatic campaigns in recent history, Eddie Howe is on course to deliver European football to Newcastle once again.

They are surely favourites to finish in the top six ahead of inconsistent Manchester United and Chelsea sides. Fifth is even a potential finishing spot, albeit it will be harder to chase Tottenham down with so few games remaining.

Indeed, Howe’s side may not be the most convincing all of the time but, right now, it’s about getting over the line.

With the squad still so stretched by injuries, players are having to step up.

Howe, after all, has praised Emil Krafth for his recent role after coming into the defence alongside Dan Burn.

Then there’s Jacob Murphy.

The Toon manager has always proudly stated he’s a big fan of the £12m winger, even despite him struggling to convince for much of his Newcastle career before Howe arrived.

Murphy remains a huge part of Howe’s plans and pundit Ian Wright was full of praise for his performance during Saturday’s big win over Burnley in the Premier League.

Ian Wright says ‘fantastic’ Newcastle star simply ‘can’t be ignored’

Speaking on BBC One’s Match of the Day on Saturday night, Wright said: “This is what Burnley are doing, very poor quality corner, someone like Murphy, fantastic game, two assists today, he can’t be ignored and how he featured in this game as well.”

How well did Jacob Murphy play against Burnley?

Though Miguel Almiron made his return from injury to bolster attacking options for Howe, Murphy will surely take some shifting.

The former Norwich winger has now provided three assists in his last two games alone, albeit with the caveat that they came against relegation fodder in the shape of the Clarets and Sheffield United.

He’s now laid on six goals for teammates this season, behind only Kieran Trippier and Anthony Gordon in Howe’s squad.

No one on Saturday played more key passes than Murphy (6, via WhoScored), while he also ranked within the top three for shots (2) and dribbles (1).

Howe is right to value him.

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