Sean Steur has told Matthias Jaissle he is up for the fight at Newcastle United after losing his place in midfield in recent games, the head coach has indicated.
The 18-year-old impressed in his last appearance for the Magpies, winning man of the match in the 2-1 victory over Hull City. However, he has not featured since, remaining an unused substitute in the 4-1 defeat at Coventry City and the 1-0 loss at home to Aston Villa.
Jaissle backs competition and patience
Some supporters have called for Steur to be recalled for the weekend encounter at Selhurst Park, but Jaissle, who has preferred the more experienced Nico Gonzalez, suggested the teenager may have to wait for another opportunity.
Speaking ahead of the game against Pierre Sage's Eagles, Jaissle said: "Nico [Gonzalez] was doing the job good on his position, so that's a competition, but he's waving with his hands or putting his finger up in training (to let Jaissle know his willingness to play). So we are happy with his progress and he should just keep going like this."
Jaissle also indicated that everybody is on the same page with Steur, from the player himself to the coaching staff and senior players around him. Steur misplaced a pass in the game against Leeds that cost his team a goal, but he bounced back on the night and then responded against Hull with a strong performance.
Long-term project at St James' Park
Jaissle said: "First of all, we're all sure the whole club, the whole coaching staff, and I think also the players, know what great potential Sean has. He showed that already. He showed that also, like many other lads, that there are up and downs already here now in that season, but this is normal and this is something we are aware of already beforehand."
Jaissle added: "Now it's time that he's getting that confidence, that matureness for a player who didn't have that experience in the Premier League also throughout the training sessions, throughout the training weeks, and we see that for sure as a long-term project."
Steur has been hailed a bargain at £23 million by observers in the Newcastle press box, with BBC pundit John Anderson saying recently: "He wanted to show how good a player he is and that the Leeds performance was not going to affect him. He was absolutely outstanding. He looked well beyond his years and totally controlled it. He looks like someone with a huge future in the game. That £23m is looking like a bargain."
