Anthony Gordon shows true colors with on-pitch response to Liverpool transfer links

Anthony Gordon demonstrated exactly why Eddie Howe is so keen to retain his services at Newcastle, delivering a standout performance fresh off his stint with England at the Euros.

The sought-after winger, who caught Liverpool's eye with earlier this the summer, was unexpectedly named in the starting lineup against Girona on Friday. He found the back of the net before halftime, contributing to Newcastle's dominant four-goal spree in the first half.

With Sean Longstaff bagging a brace and Jacob Murphy also on the scoresheet, it was a night to remember for the Magpies. Gordon , who only resumed training on Tuesday following his international duties, was thrown straight into the fray by Howe, who praised his "sharp" form, against the La Liga high-flyers from the previous season.

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Despite being dangled as part of a cash-raising effort to comply with PSR regulations and stave off a points deduction, Gordon remained at Newcastle after a potential move to Liverpool didn't materialize. The Magpies instead sold Elliot Anderson and Yankuba Minteh.

Gordon quashed any speculation of unrest by hitting the ground running in Friday's match and Howe said: "The plan was for 45 minutes. He looked good today. He is behind the others and had to have a mental break after the Euros and a long season. He played very well and we will build his training load up next week.

"No doubt, he feels good. He wanted to play longer tonight. He is a professional and has looked after himself. I am confident he will be ready for next week.

"I thought he would come back fit. He is young. It is easier when you are a younger player. We need to see how he trains this week and make an assessment.

"He's been committed. We've had no conversations over the summer where it has been fractious or negative. He's always been the Anthony Gordon who has given absolutely everything to Newcastle.

"He's such an important player for us, we didn't want to lose anybody. Why would we want to lose our best players? We fought really hard to make the right decisions. In those last few weeks it was very, very difficult. He's an integral part of what we're doing. I'm confident he is ok. You can only judge Anthony on what he has given Newcastle on the pitch."