Journalist Chris Waugh has revealed that Sven Botman cannot believe he didn't score for Newcastle United on Sunday.

The Lowdown: Howe's side back to winning ways

Newcastle's summer recruitment looked impressive at the time, but the displays from players such as Botman, Nick Pope and Alexander Isak throughout the season have gone on to show it was far more than that.

One of the most successful recruits from the summer will have been Botman, given that the Magpies wanted to sign him in the prior January window before finally managing to beat off stiff competition from Serie A champions AC Milan.

While Botman has been in impressive form defensively this season - losing just two league games as a Newcastle player - he's not been able to impose himself as a threat in the final third, and may not get a better chance to open his account than against Wolves on Sunday.

The Latest: Botman yet to find his goalscoring touch

After speaking to people close to Botman, Waugh has revealed on Pod on The Tyne that the Dutch defender doesn't believe he'll get a better chance than the one he squandered late on against Wolves.

He said: "I spoke to someone close to Sven Botman today [Tuesday] and they were saying how he realises he's probably never going to have an opportunity like that to side-foot a finish from inside the area in open play."

The Verdict: Newcastle can be delighted with Botman

While some goals would have been the icing on the cake for Howe from Botman this season - especially given he got five goal involvements during his time with Lille - as long as he's performing in the heart of defence, there won't be many complaints.

Botman has taken to English football like a duck to water and he's a huge part of the Premier League's meanest defence this term, which makes his £35m price tag appear an absolute bargain.

In fact, all members of Newcastle's regular back four and goalkeeper can be viewed as bargain deals, with Dan Burn costing £13m and Fabian Schar a jaw-dropping £3m, while La Liga winner Kieran Trippier was just £12 million and top shot-stopper Nick Pope was a mere £10m signing.

So given how things have started for Botman on Tyneside, we wouldn't be surprised if he has his moment in front of goal before too long.