The 21-year-old Dane, who joined the Magpies for an initial £10million from Sheffield United in August, was handed a first start for the club in Tuesday night's 1-0 third-round victory over League Two Wimbledon.

Osula might have opened his goal account within four minutes, but was unable to make the most of Miguel Almiron's inviting through-ball and went within inches with a second-half snapshot as he illustrated his potential, but also the work he still has to do.

Asked afterwards how close the frontman was to featuring regularly in the league, head coach Howe said: "Time will tell and his performances will dictate that.

"There was some really bright flashes from him, but I think he knows he has areas of his game to work on, like any young player.

"Like I said before the game, we're working on those with him. It was a performance of promise. He probably could have scored a couple of goals."

"He did better in the second half when we were able to give him more of the ball in dangerous areas. The first half was frustrating for him and us that he didn't get the ball more around their box.

"In the attacking areas, you saw his qualities - his pace and power - but he still has a lot of work to do."

Howe made eight changes from the side which secured a deserved 1-1 draw with champions Manchester City on Saturday and saw his team dominate throughout in terms of both possession and chances.

However, Fabian Schar's expertly-converted penalty was ultimately all they had to show for their efforts on a night when some of those given an opportunity failed to make a coherent case for inclusion in Howe's strongest XI.

Asked if he had expected more, the 46-year-old said: "You hope, but you have to understand psychology. You go from Manchester City to this game… They're totally different and it's difficult for the players coming in.

"But individually you have to put that aside and show your best qualities in order to give yourself the best opportunity of playing again.

"I probably think knowing the standard of the players, some of them didn't do that today, especially the attacking players, and I think they'll be disappointed with that."

Eddie Howe: Newcastle's Will Osula showed 'promise' in Carabao Cup game