Newcastle manager Eddie Howe says Lewis Hall has to do more if he wants to dislodge Tino Livramento from the starting lineup.

Livramento is currently being deployed out of position at left-back, despite Hall being a more natural fit for the role and, when asked why the latter has been overlooked, Howe replied:

“I think Tino has been excellent at left-back and Kieran has his obvious qualities at right-back so that would be the reason and Lewis, when he comes on, has to perform well.”

From the looks of things, Hall has his work cut out getting any game time if Howe deems Livramento a better option in the position.

Dan Burn and Matt Targett are also capable left-backs and, when they return to fitness, it’s likely that they will be above Hall in the pecking order, which means the 19-year-old faces an uphill task in terms of playing opportunities.

Hall has only been on the pitch for 70 minutes in the Premier League

The fullback has not been trusted by Howe with league starts since his arrival from Chelsea in the summer. He was substituted at half-time on his full league debut against Bournemouth last month.

His only other minutes have come as a substitute versus Sheffield United and Spurs. The defender was also hauled off after 45 minutes in his only Champions League appearance against Borussia Dortmund.

Newcastle will pay £28m for Hall next summer

Despite Howe clearly not being impressed with the teenager at the moment, he will seal a permanent move from Chelsea when his season-long loan spell comes to an end in June.

The Magpies have an obligation to buy Hall for an initial £28m next year, with another £7m owed in performance-related add-ons.

You can watch the documentary – Newcastle United: The Road Back To Europe on Shots! TV here