The Newcastle United Blog

Written by Neil Harrison

4:36pm Saturday, September 24th, 2022

Commented 201 times

Jamal Lewis has been handed a start for Northern Ireland in this afternoon’s Nations League match against Kosovo in Belfast. This will be Jamal’s 27th cap for Northern Ireland.

? The team news is in! ? #GAWA pic.twitter.com/bU8EjFqA7I
— Northern Ireland (@NorthernIreland) September 24, 2022

The 24-year-old has not featured much over the past year as he’s struggled with multiple injuries. A long-term groin issue was addressed earlier this year leading to exclusion from Newcastle’s 25-man squad for the second half of last season.

The left back underwent multiple operations during that time to resolve the chronic issue. He returned for pre-season but struggled to regain full fitness until August. His only appearance this season was in the Carabao Cup where he came on in the second half for Matt Targett.

Northern Ireland boss Ian Baraclough spoke about Lewis’s call-up for his national team. Baraclough feels that Lewis is over the worst of his fitness woes saying:

“Having spoken to him he is in a good place fitness-wise. I think it can worry a player when you keep picking up these niggles and you are going to have procedures on them.
“It puts doubt in your mind and Jamal has gone through quite a bit over the last year to fight to regain his fitness. This has been over a period where a new manager has come into his club in Eddie Howe.
“That all plays on the mind if you are not quite right. Jamal is in a much stronger position. I know he has been named in the 25-man squad for Newcastle in the Premier League. So he will be looking to get his opportunities with his club. He will come to us in a different frame of mind.”

This start is very encouraging for Jamal and hopefully, he’ll be able to get 90 minutes under his belt. He’s been preferred over Paul Dummett on the bench recently and is working his way back into the reckoning at St. James’ Park.

Lewis hasn’t started a match since December when he injured his hamstring at Liverpool. His last appearance for Northern Ireland was in November during World Cup qualification.

201 comments so far

The Last Jedi
Sep 24, 2022 at 4:37 PM
Comment #1
No. 1
0
The Last Jedi
Sep 24, 2022 at 4:38 PM
Comment #2
No. 2
0
The Last Jedi
Sep 24, 2022 at 4:38 PM
Comment #3
No. 3
0
The Last Jedi
Sep 24, 2022 at 4:38 PM
Comment #4
No. 4
0
The Last Jedi
Sep 24, 2022 at 4:39 PM
Comment #5
No. 5
0
The Last Jedi
Sep 24, 2022 at 4:39 PM
Comment #6
No. 6
0
ToonDarnSarf
Sep 24, 2022 at 4:39 PM
Comment #7
TMQ – that’s perhaps because Schar excels
at coming out of defence and playing decent passes or even hitting a rocket of a shot from outside of the area. Playing the role of striker is a whole different ball game to centre half, ask anyone who has played professional football.
3
The Last Jedi
Sep 24, 2022 at 4:39 PM
Comment #8
No. 7
1
Ruddy Marveaux-lous
Sep 24, 2022 at 4:43 PM
Comment #9
So Schar held a ball up once against a defence that played on the halfway line and suddenly he’s a PL calibre CF? Seriously mate, as we say in our parts, catch yourself on.
10
The Mighty Quinn
Sep 24, 2022 at 4:51 PM
Comment #10
I’m not your mate.
20
Goal Linton
Sep 24, 2022 at 4:53 PM
Comment #11
TMQ
Hahahaha you have just hurt Ruddy’s feelings.
9
ToonDarnSarf
Sep 24, 2022 at 4:53 PM
Comment #12
TMQ – your avatar picture kinda insinuates otherwise…
0
Ruddy Marveaux-lous
Sep 24, 2022 at 4:54 PM
Comment #13
As David Brent would say “ooh you’re hard”
I really don’t care mate. More than me have called you out for your silly Schar/Wood comment but if you’re choosing to get arsey with me over it, so be it. Like I’ve said, some on this blog take themselves very seriously and care about what others think of them. I’m not one of them 🙂
22
Goal Linton
Sep 24, 2022 at 4:54 PM
Comment #14
Ok boys so if Schar plays up top can Wood be a decent CB
2
The Mighty Quinn
Sep 24, 2022 at 4:55 PM
Comment #15
How does my avatar insinuate I’m anybodies mate?
11
The Mighty Quinn
Sep 24, 2022 at 4:56 PM
Comment #16
What you and TDS, as you say catch yourself on fella.
18
ToonDarnSarf
Sep 24, 2022 at 5:00 PM
Comment #17
TMQ – your avatar pic literally says that as Newcastle fans we are all close enough to perfect. It’s a nice sentiment.
0
Ruddy Marveaux-lous
Sep 24, 2022 at 5:00 PM
Comment #18
If you genuinely think Schar would have done as well or better than Wood during our run in based on 1 single lay off against Brentford then you are of course entitled to think that.
You’re wrong though.
11
sing in the corner
Sep 24, 2022 at 5:05 PM
Comment #19
Yes it is very encouraging to hear the NI manager summarise the situation with Lewis.
To be honest I’ve not really had my eye on the ball, so to speak, when it comes to this lad.
The groin issue – multiple ops? I wasn’t aware if the complexity there.
Maybe he has been judged too harshly. Yeah he’s been at the club a decent amount of time, but not fit for a lot of it.
I’ll be interested to see how he plays, even if it is against Kosovo.
1
snowdone
Sep 24, 2022 at 5:11 PM
Comment #20
Good luck to Lewis. He needs games. I do not see a top EPL fullback at the moment, but I’m more than willing to revise my opinion.
2
Mund
Sep 24, 2022 at 5:15 PM
Comment #21
So he fights the corner of we are all entitled to our own opinions but if they don’t match up to his own they are batshit crazy opinions…
😆 ffs man
15
sing in the corner
Sep 24, 2022 at 5:17 PM
Comment #22
He was bought as one for the future, but hasn’t progressed much, if at all…but I’m giving him some benefit of doubt. If he gets a good run of fitness, who knows?
1
Mund
Sep 24, 2022 at 5:17 PM
Comment #23
You’re entitled to your opinion…
But it’s wrong 😆
10
Fenham to Chalfont
Sep 24, 2022 at 5:18 PM
Comment #24
Talking of avatars
Ruddy Marveaux-lous what’s your avatar?
9
Ruddy Marveaux-lous
Sep 24, 2022 at 5:19 PM
Comment #25
Mund
I think you’ll find that both of those views are not mutually exclusive. I respect the right for someone to express their opinions. I also respect the right for someone to express their opinions on other people’s opinions. I was doing the latter which does not conflict with the former.
14
Ruddy Marveaux-lous
Sep 24, 2022 at 5:21 PM
Comment #26
Coordinated via the WhatsApp aye? Little bit too transparent lads lol
18
Mund
Sep 24, 2022 at 5:21 PM
Comment #27
Ruddy
It seems like it’s your way or no way
Not like I didn’t already know that tho
9
welshgeordie9
Sep 24, 2022 at 5:22 PM
Comment #28
Found this on FB
If you could pick one former Newcastle player, past or present to fit into the current line up.
Who would it be and why?
Only rule: No Shearer to make it interesting
#KTNUFC
So then people, who would you pick.
1
Mund
Sep 24, 2022 at 5:22 PM
Comment #29
I want peace on the blog he says…
We are all entitled to opinions he says…
But if it doesn’t match with his own it’s batshit crazy…
Then goes on and causes disrupt on the blog…
The lad seems confused
12
Ruddy Marveaux-lous
Sep 24, 2022 at 5:23 PM
Comment #30
Mund
Now you’re getting it. This blog must be run as my own personal fiefdom because it’s so important to me…lol
15
Mund
Sep 24, 2022 at 5:25 PM
Comment #31
Maybe you should stop taking it so serious Ruddy lad…
Not fair is it when you have your own words used against you is it…
😉
10
snowdone
Sep 24, 2022 at 5:27 PM
Comment #32
Beardsley all the way!
1
IrishRob
Sep 24, 2022 at 5:30 PM
Comment #33
I presume the behind closed doors match didn’t materialise, anyone know?
0
Fenham to Chalfont
Sep 24, 2022 at 5:32 PM
Comment #34
Ruddy Marveaux-lous
Serious question, as I’m intrigued by your avatar, what is it or what does it represent more to the point… I had asked you above but you mate have missed it?
7
sparky55
Sep 24, 2022 at 5:38 PM
Comment #35
Beardsley all day…he would have unpicked bournemouth’s defence in a flash.
2
sparky55
Sep 24, 2022 at 5:38 PM
Comment #36
Lewis will have Targetts left back position within 18 months
2
Goal Linton
Sep 24, 2022 at 5:42 PM
Comment #37
Welsh
As in how they would fit into our team right now to improve it ?
I would say our midfield needs strengthening most so it’s got to be Rob Lee
1
Ruddy Marveaux-lous
Sep 24, 2022 at 5:52 PM
Comment #38
Welsh
Interesting one and I know many say Beardo but I don’t ever remember him playing as it was before my time. I would love to see Cabaye in this Newcastle team, I think a midfield trio of Yo-yo, Jo and Bruno would be mesmeric
0
Bambams
Sep 24, 2022 at 5:54 PM
Comment #39
Beardsley was just ‘Messi’ 30 years ago, unbelievable player.
Would of loved to have also seen what a certain Paul Gascoigne could of done with us had he stayed.
I am not suggesting young Elliott Anderson is going to be anything like Gazza, but I think there is a player in there, I hear good things from the training ground and he is well liked.
Here is hoping the lad can go all the way – with us and not Spuds or LiVARpool 😉
5
The Prince's Mate
Sep 24, 2022 at 6:00 PM
Comment #40
jane
Sep 23, 2022 at 8:32 PM
Comment #66
“this is a very strong Englund team and should be capable of beating any team in the world IF…we had a decent coach”
wrong wrong and wrong
No no and NO…you’re the only one who’s wrong jib
6

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17 February, 2023

I have an update on what's happening with my treatment for prostate cancer.

Last week, my oncologist called me late in the day and said he thought it was best to terminate my treatment with radium 223 dichloride because it was having such a negative effect on my health - specifically my digestive system.

I had completed 3 of the planned 6 infusions.

They had looked at the bone scans and three CAT scans I had early last week, and they showed no signs of the cancer spread being slowed or stopped: in fact, it was continuing to spread and my PSA account continued to rise.

The only treatment left now is to go back and have another bout of chemotherapy with docetaxel being the medication used.

I understand this will be a 7-month job with 10 sessions 3 weeks apart - almost double my first chemo treatment in Apil 2017, when I has 6 treatmnts.

The problem I have is that I'm in a very poor physical state right now, due to my digestive system being basically torn apart by the radium 223.

The radium 223 has leaked into my digestive system and caused me to have severe diarrhea, nausea, and heartburn, and it was (is) very serious.

They said it was too dangerous to proceed with the radium 223 treatment, with little benefit being shown.

I am also suffering from severe exhaustion, basically, because I have zero testosterone, and all the treatments I've had for the cancer, have further lessened the energy available to me.

It reminds me of the saying that if cancer doesn’t kill you - the treatment will (laugh).

It will probably take up to 8 weeks to get back to a physical state where I can start chemotherapy, and that's where I am now, but the cancer continues to spread in the bones.

I've also been put in touch with the dietitian from UNC Healthcare, who will help me get back my health - she is very helpful.

So that's where it stands it's been quite a journey over 12 years and I think I've had almost every treatment available.

It has really taken a toll on my body and on my energy, but that's where it stands and obviously, I'll do the best I can in the upcoming months with chemo and hope I can get through it.

It is as it is - and another challenge in life.

Ed Harrison