'I'm enjoying my football': Kieran Trippier is back to his best for Newcastle United and he is feeling it too
It wasn't too long ago that we were convinced that Kieran Trippier was done at Newcastle United and that he was heading elsewhere.
Trippier's personal life got, shall we say, complicated, and during that time, it was clear that his focus was not on football. His performances dropped off a cliff, and there was constant speculation that he was seeking a move away from the region for a fresh start.
Amid that speculation and given the level of Trippier's performances, you wouldn't have found too many Newcastle fans fighting his case.
However, Trippier has managed to put all that behind him, has refocused on his job and has come back stronger than ever, and at 35, he's probably back to the heights he hit when he first joined Newcastle almost four years ago.
Kieran Trippier says he feels the fittest he's ever been
Indeed, Trippier himself has said that he feels fitter than ever in today's matchday programme.
"It was really good news that Tino Livramento’s injury isn’t as bad as first feared, and that he will be back relatively soon. We play in the same position, but I’ve had competition throughout my whole career and we always help and support each other. I wish him all the best in his recovery and I’m pleased it’s not a long-term injury.
"At the age of 35, I feel the fittest I’ve ever felt. There are so many games, and you have to be ready to take every opportunity. I’m enjoying my football.
"I was happy to get minutes in midweek and long may it continue."
Can Kieran Trippier keep up this level on a regular basis while Tino Livramento recovers?
Eddie Howe is going to have to hope that Trippier can keep this level of fitness up, as Tino Livramento is expected to be out of action for around eight weeks.
Of course, there's always Emil Krafth, who never lets the side down, but when Trippier is in this kind of form, you want him available for every game.
It's going to be a huge test for the former England international, but at least Trippier doesn't have the extra stress of representing England these days.
We're just happy to have him back performing as we all know he can. He's such an important figure at Newcastle on and off the pitch that it would have been such a shame to see him go, especially to go out following a string of really bad performances.
