Jacob Ramsey: Has Bruno Guimaraes given midfielder time to shine?

That night in Paris certainly felt significant last month.

No other Newcastle player won more duels (seven) and fouls (three) than Ramsey, who had the most shots (two) in the 1-1 draw at the Parc des Princes.

He also ranked in the top two visiting players for successful passes (32) and touches in the opposition box (three) against the Champions League holders.

The fearless manner in which Ramsey demanded the ball, wriggled out of tight spaces and took his side up the pitch served as a reminder why Newcastle wanted to sign him back in August.

But it was always going to take time for Ramsey to cement his place in the most stacked area of the team.

Not only did Ramsey arrive after the season had started – he then went on to sustain an ankle injury on his full debut against Leeds United, which kept him out for six weeks.

The midfielder was left playing catch-up as he adjusted to the intensity, detail and structure of life under Howe.

Though Villa boss Unai Emery is a demanding figure in his own right, Howe’s sapping training sessions took a little while to get used to at first.

But there have not been enough of them in recent months because of the relentless nature of Newcastle‘s fixture schedule.

Ramsey has instead come to rely on analysis debriefs to learn the intricacies of his role – after previously playing on the left under Emery – and the summer arrival has mainly built up an understanding with his team-mates through games.

This “conscientious” figure has impressed Howe with his work behind the scenes while Ramsey feels Newcastle‘s aggressive playing style will ultimately bring out the best in him in his favoured position in the middle of the park.

Ramsey previously noted how many players improved under Howe after sitting down with those closest to him last summer to assess which of his suitors gave him the best chance of one day getting into the England squad.

The wait for a senior call-up goes on, but Howe hopes Ramsey’s first goal for the club proves a “turning point” in his Newcastle career as his side now prepare to face Qarabag for a place in the Champions League last 16.

“There’s nothing better than actually contributing and helping your team win a game,” he added.

“There’s no better way to feel part of the Newcastle family than that.”