Sean Longstaff is Newcastle United's "unsung hero" after a campaign in which he has hit new levels of maturity at St James' Park.
The Geordie midfielder has shaken off a foot injury and played 36 times this season, scoring six goals in a black and white shirt. United's break in Dubai was the ideal opportunity for the midfielder to rest up during the international fixtures and Howe now believes he can thrive again in the Premier League.
Longstaff is now injury free and looking for a big finish to the campaign in the final 10 games as he looks to help Newcastle into Europe and trying to achieve double figures in the goal stakes.
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Howe told Chronicle Live: "Sean would probably say that he is now in a good place physically. I don't think he is playing with an injury now, he has done at certain times. This season he has put himself on the pitch when carrying a problem. I think Sean is a slight unsung hero anyway."
The Newcastle head coach believes that Longstaff's passion for the Magpies sets the tone in the dressing room, and wants him to keep motivating his team-mates by spelling out exactly what each victory means to the fans.
Howe said: "His love for the club does not guarantee you anything, he is Newcastle through and through and so are his family, but he has given so much to the club and will continue to. He always gives his best. He is always fully committed to everything we ask him to do."
Howe also feels that Longstaff will benefit from the love of the crowd and while the Academy product who blasted Newcastle to Wembley last season against Southampton with a brace in the Carabao Cup is a fan favourite for many, the Toon boss spoke about just how much the player himself appreciates backing from the St James' Park faithful.
Howe added: "I'd love to see him embraced, supported. I know he has been during match days and I know he really values that support from everybody."
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