Alan Shearer admits one Nick Woltemade shortfall is impacting Newcastle results

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Alan Shearer has suggested that Nick Woltemade doesn't fit Eddie Howe's high-energy pressing game. The Newcastle United legend reckons it's impacting results on the road.

The Magpies head to Brentford on Saturday, desperate to snap an eight-match winless streak away from home in the Premier League . In fact, Newcastle haven't tasted victory on their travels in the top flight since they defeated Leicester City 3-0 back in April. Last weekend, Howe's side visited struggling West Ham and suffered a disappointing 3-1 defeat , despite taking the lead through Jacob Murphy.

The Hammers, though, dominated from that moment onwards and secured a convincing win, leaving the Magpies with yet another away-day loss.

Looking ahead to the Brentford clash and analysing Newcastle's poor form on the road, Shearer has highlighted that Woltemade's inability to press effectively is holding them back.

"The performance against West Ham was as poor as I've seen under Eddie Howe in a long time," Shearer told Betfair . "It was a lazy performance, but I guess if there's one thing you need, is a game straight after when you've been that poor.

"We've all had poor games, and you do get the opportunity to bounce back with a midweek game, and Newcastle have done that. They now have to get their away form sorted because what's been lacking is energy away from home.

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"I know it's very different to what they've had in past seasons because of their pressing, and Woltemade can't quite do that because he hasn't got the energy of a forward like [Alexander] Isak or [Yoane] Wissa.

"A lot of his game is towards the ball, which is really impressive, but he hasn't quite got the energy to press in the way Newcastle want, particularly away from home. You often get driven by your fans while at home, but away, you have to find something different.

"That's where Newcastle have struggled. They have to find the energy and pressing away from home like they do at St James' Park."

Woltemade joined the Magpies for a club record £65million, plus add-ons, from Stuttgart at the end of August. Since making the switch to St James' Park, the striker has netted six times in 13 outings.

Speaking about Woltemade's initial impact in Tyneside last week, Howe was full of praise for the German international. The Newcastle boss said: "We're really pleased with Nick – really happy with him.

"On and off the pitch, he's been first class. The way he's conducted himself, handled the move, the way he's embraced his teammates. His team ethics are excellent. He's got an ability to score goals, to be in the right position.

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"Technically, he's very good. We still have to bring out more in his game and help him in every way we can – the early signs are very positive.

"He's got variety in his game. I don't think he's one-dimensional. His height, but then you add in his technical ability – I think that can be a surprise for opponents.

"His challenge is consistency and long-term success. Teams will obviously work out plans for him, as we do for all our opponents, and he's got to continue to find a way to score goals."

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