Eddie Howe banished Ryan Fraser to Newcastle U21s because he only wants ‘committed’ players

Eddie Howe says he sent Ryan Fraser to train with Newcastle’s Under-21s because he only wants players ‘committed’ to the club around his senior squad.

Sportsmail revealed last week that the Scotland winger had been told to relocate to the academy base ahead of the Carabao Cup final and is unlikely to return.

And Howe, when asked about the issue on Friday, said: ‘Ryan’s training with the Under-21s. I made the decision to concentrate on players that are committed to Newcastle. For the benefit of the group, I’ve made that call.’

It is rare that Howe makes public his displeasure with any player and the removal of Fraser from the training ground is a sure sign that he will be sold come the summer. The head coach was asked if the 29-year-old has a future at St James’ Park.

‘I think that’s a difficult one for me to answer, because I’d never put a firm decision on that, because life and football can change quickly but, I’d say at the moment, no he doesn’t,’ he said.

Howe said his Newcastle squad will focus on Man City trip after their Carabao Cup defeat

Meanwhile, Howe must now pick up his players for Saturday’s trip to Manchester City on the back of their 2-0 defeat by Manchester United on Sunday. He admits that has not been easy.

‘We have had team meetings and I have had individual meetings to try and rid the players of any, not negative emotion, but sadness,’ he said. ‘There was a feeling of just sadness. Sadness when you are going to play Manchester City is not a good emotion to have. I think that has worked, because initially it was difficult for them.’

Newcastle’s form in the Premier League – one win in seven since Boxing Day – has seen them slip from third to fifth.

Asked why they have tailed off, Howe said: ‘I’m not one to make excuses and I will give what I believe is the answer – and that is we haven’t been clinical enough in both boxes. I mean both…