A relief Osula did not leave Newcastle - Howe

Manager Eddie Howe says it was a "relief" that forward William Osula did not leave Newcastle United on transfer deadline day because he now looks like the "complete package".

The 22-year-old was close to joining Eintracht Frankfurt last month, only for the move to fall through.

Osula has since gone on to make an impact for Newcastle in the Premier League, Carabao Cup and Champions League, and played a key role in Bruno Guimaraes' 90th-minute winner against Fulham on Saturday.

Although record signing Nick Woltemade remains first-choice striker, Osula's contributions have been welcomed by Howe after Yoane Wissa suffered a knee injury while on international duty with DR Congo.

"The next step was for Will to try and play regularly, so that was the aim [with the Frankfurt move], especially with us bringing two strikers in," Howe said.

"Obviously, it didn't happen - and much to our relief it didn't because Yoane picked up an injury and Will is vitally important.

"We believe in his talents. He's got speed. You could see that when he came on the pitch the other day.

"He's quick, athletic but, through his continued attitude to training, he's got a better know-how and nous in terms of how to manage game situations.

"He's benefited from that and coming on the pitch looking like the complete package."

Osula came on in the 86th minute against Fulham and set up Guimaraes' winner after Bernd Leno parried his shot into the path of the Newcastle captain.

Osula has been nursing an ankle injury, which has limited his ability to do finishing drills in training, but Howe said "helping the team is his big wish".

"The Will I know is that great personality with a real zest for life," he said.

"He's always laughing and joking. He's popular in dressing room. He's certainly got very close friendships.

"What's changed probably more this year than the last is he's very serious about his work.

"When it's work time, he puts on a different face and is very serious about his development and his game, which has been a positive, slight change."