Middlesbrough FC boss Kim Hellberg's response to talk of potential Newcastle United return for Matt Targett
Middlesbrough boss Kim Hellberg is trying not to think about the possibility of Matt Targett returning to Newcastle United.
The 30-year-old arrived at the Riverside on loan in the summer having tumbled down the pecking order at St James’ Park.
He has enjoyed a new lease of life in the Championship, helping Middlesbrough climb to second in the Championship table.
However, an injury crisis in Newcastle’s defence has sparked talk of a premature end to his loan spell.
Kim Hellberg responds
When quizzed about Targett’s situation, Hellberg said: “I count on him being here and that's all I know on that question. I'm trying not to think about losing him.
“What I can tell you is that when he's played, he's been very, very good. He's been top with his movement, top with the ball. He's a very intelligent player with a brilliant left foot so he's been fantastic.
“And he also showed that he could play centre-back. That was brilliant from him, so he's been terrific. He's a very nice guy.
“I would say it's looking the same to me. When I talk to him, when I look at him, I see him play, when I see him with the boys, when I see him on the pitch, he looks like he enjoys his time here.”
Eddie Howe’s stance
Newcastle have lost Kieran Trippier, Sven Botman, Dan Burn and Emil Krafth to injury of late.
Magpies boss Eddie Howe has not committed to recalling Targett - but has not ruled it out either.
He said: “We will let him concentrate on his football. We will have those conversations if and when we need to.
“We don't want to recruit anybody to fix a short-term need to create a long-term problem. I think we will make decisions on what that injury situation looks like in the first week of January.”