Newcastle boss Eddie Howe denies he plays favourites.

Fans have questioned Howe's backing of Dan Burn.

But Howe told Chronicle Live: "It is always about merit. There is nothing or no part of me that gives a starting berth based on what they did last year that would be ridiculous.

"It has to be based on what I see every day in training, taking into account the games too. You have to remember that Dan Burn had a broken back not so long ago. He came back early for the benefit of the team and we were only too happy to welcome him back because we've missed his presence in the team.

"So yeah he's earned his place back. Only two games ago he scored against Fulham in the cup and against Aston Villa he got man of the match. As always in football you are judged on the last few seconds, that's how it has always been and that's how it has to be."