#anthony-gordon

#anthony-gordon

Every player has a preference on positions. He'd probably prefer to play down the middle and lead the line because you have much more freedom. Ant has really good qualities in that position, especially his pressing intensity and understanding of when to do it is at the highest level. I was delighted with his performance. It was a great thing for him [to score 10 Champions League goals].

We don't think it is a serious injury but we are getting him scanned and waiting on the result. I think there is every chance he might miss our game on Sunday but we will give him every opportunity to be fit. I feel relaxed about him being with England. It will all be done with England's blessing in terms of whether he is fit or not fit. We will work together to find the best solutions for Anthony.

The Magpies famously added a 100 million release clause in Bruno Guimaraes' last contract and according to iNews, Gordon has a similar contract in his contract which he signed last year. The England international was linked with a move away from St. James' Park last year with the club struggling with Profit and Sustainability Rules. Gordon, the former Everton star, was linked with a move to Liverpool. However, with the sales of Elliot Anderson and Yankubah Minteh, Eddie Howe's team sorted out their financial issues.

At this level, you see the squad changing all the time, players coming in, players leaving. I think you've almost got to be a bit paranoid that you're not going to get in because it pushes you even further. You've always got to challenge yourself because the lads you're competing with are always at the highest level because that's the level we're playing at.