After a truly frustrating start to life on Tyneside, blighted by injury and a lack of minutes, things may be finally looking up for Jacob Ramsey.

Left fending for minutes in a midfield that’s notoriously tough to break into, Ramsey’s played himself into the midfield trio following Joelinton’s ongoing fitness concerns and Lewis Miley deputising at full back, and he’s been delivering some strong performances.

“A great sign” – Howe reveals Jacob Ramsey boost and the next step for £40m man

With it still being relatively early days, the £43m man will no doubt have a big role to play over the coming weeks as we have crunch games in the Premier League, Champions League and domestic cup competitions.

And the youngster’s effort and performances haven’t gone unnoticed by Eddie Howe, who had some big praise for the former Aston Villa midfielder…

Ramsey’s ‘elite’ numbers hailed by Howe

Speaking ahead of our Boxing Day clash against Manchester United, Eddie Howe has been talking up Jacob Ramsey and his signs of progression following back to back starts.

The boss has discussed the ‘elite’ numbers he posted in last weekend’s 2-2 draw with Chelsea, praising his athleticism and challenging the midfielder to start impacting games in the final third by adding goals and assists to his game.

“That was his best game for us, against Chelsea.

“Athletically, very good and some of the numbers he produced in that game were elite in terms of the benchmark for midfielders, so I think that’s a great sign.”

“The challenge for JJ has been, since his injury at Leeds where he twisted his ankle, he had momentum then and had to start all over again.

“I think he’s just returning to his very best levels. I think the next step for him is to start impacting in the final third with goals and assists.”

Ramsey finding his rhythm?

Having played the full 90 against Burnley, missing out against Sunderland, and getting almost the entire game against Chelsea days after he started in our cup win over Fulham, Ramsey’s form and minutes certainly coincide with us getting positive results.

Though he’s still chasing that first league contribution, it’ll certainly be coming sooner rather than later if he can continue to get the nod over Joelinton and Joe Willock as a starting choice.

Who gets picked for Friday’s game at Old Trafford will be interesting to see: Miley seems locked at fullback whilst Tino Livramento is out injured, so it’ll be either Ramsey or Joelinton starting for a must-win game.

For that physical presence against a defensively-minded midfield? Joelinton may be the best shout. But Howe’s admiration for Ramsey’s recent progress could see the 24-year-old get the nod.