Howe defends Gordon after Shearer and Keane criticism

Howe says Gordon faces 'a lot of scrutiny' Head coach Eddie Howe says it was his decision not to start Anthony Gordon against Barcelona after the unwell Newcastle United forward was criticised by pundits. Gordon was questioned by a number of figures in the game – including Alan Shearer, Wayne Rooney and Roy Keane – having not been in the starting line-up for the first leg of Newcastle 's Champions League last-16 tie against Barcelona on Tuesday. Shearer, speaking before it was known that Gordon had missed training, said it would take "something extraordinary to keep myself out of this game". However, Gordon was not even able to take part in a walkthrough session on the morning of the match. His involvement was limited to coming on as a substitute midway through the second half of the 1-1 draw. "I do have to clear something up," Howe said on Friday. "He was absolutely absolutely willing to play in the game against Barcelona. "I know there's a lot of comments. It was my decision not to start him based on the fact he had been ill that morning and had not attended the training session. "He was prepared to play but, in consultation with the medical team, we didn't think he was fit to play." Gordon has since returned to training and is in contention to lead the line against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Saturday. Howe believes the 25-year-old has "a lot of pressure on him" due to his status as an England international. "My perception is he does face a lot of scrutiny, but I think that comes with being a top player," he added. "I don't think you can escape that in this day and age, so, maybe part of that is his history and how he's ended up at this club and the clubs that he's played for previously. "Of course, as soon as you play for England, you go to a different level in terms of scrutiny and expectation so, the modern player has to withstand all of those things. "I think Ant has done that well and he's single-minded enough to blank out a lot of the noise. It's one of his strengths." Anthony Gordon is Newcastle United's top scorer this season with 15 goals Latest Newcastle news, analysis and fan views Ask about Newcastle - what do you want to know? Would Arsenal be 'ugliest title winners in history'? What stats say Tottenham players can either 'cry or fight' - Tudor Gaelic Warrior wins Cheltenham Gold Cup Oscar-nominated Frankenstein and more movies that made Guillermo del Toro Celebrated actor Jessie Buckley picks her Desert Island Discs A new spin on Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice Behind the making of one of Hollywood's most quotable films Too good to go down? Ranking shock Premier League relegations Divisive, ruthless, brilliant - how Galthie helped France find their mojo Would Arsenal be 'ugliest title winners in history'? What stats say 'Iran's women are heroes - they want to be free' The numbers behind Borthwick's nightmare Six Nations Jason Tindall - the most misunderstood man in football? Players must believe in your methods - the mentality of winning a relegation battle How do Scots beat 'nemesis' Ireland for first time in 12 meetings? Why London Spirit spent £390,000 on uncapped Sussex all-rounder Coles From best in league to bench - Foden's mysterious loss of form Why England will keep kicking regardless of what fans think Will Everton's formidable away form throw open title race? Meet ParalympicsGB's 26th team member Winter Paralympics daily guide: Six golds to be decided on Saturday Tudor's tactics: Pinpointing how his choices have made things worse The Brits travelling in their thousands to 'Costa del Cheltenham' Copyright © 2026 BBC. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.