Newcastle United striker Chris Wood is going to find it hard to get into Eddie Howe's starting XI, says journalist Pete O'Rourke.

The 30-year-old has slipped down the pecking order at St James' Park this season following the arrival of Alexander Isak, and O'Rourke now thinks he faces a difficult task winning a spot in the team.

GiveMeSport The Verdict

How many games has Wood started this season?

In total, Wood has played nine games for Newcastle in the current campaign. However, only two of those were starts, and one came in the Carabao Cup.

Understandably, Howe has often gone with Isak up front after the Tyneside club spent £60m (via BBC Sport) on him during the summer.

When he has been fit, Callum Wilson has also got the nod and rarely disappointed. In fact, the England international started in his side's last away match, the 4-1 win against Fulham, and scored.

All in all, then, it is clear to see that Wood is currently Newcastle's third-choice striker.

What has O'Rourke said about Wood?

O'Rourke thinks Wood faces a real battle to get into this Newcastle side.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, the journalist said: "It's going to be difficult for Chris Wood, you would say, to get into that starting line-up right now with Callum Wilson and Isak both ahead of him.

"He will just be waiting for that opportunity, hoping that he might get a run in the side and hopefully get some goals for Newcastle as well. But I think he's definitely down the pecking order right now in Eddie Howe's plans."

Could Wood leave St James' Park in January?

It would not be a shock; the New Zealand international always felt like a bit of a stop-gap signing for Newcastle.

He, of course, joined them from Burnley in a £25m deal (via BBC Sport) in January with Wilson out injured at the time.

Now backed by PIF, the Magpies were going to fork out on an expensive centre-forward eventually, and they have obviously now done that after landing Isak.

Wood can still have a role in this Newcastle squad, especially with Wilson's injury record. The former Bournemouth man has already missed some games this season due to a hamstring problem.

However, Wood may want to be a starter, which is probably not going to happen with Isak around. Therefore, you would not rule out the ex-Burnley player departing St James' Park in January or next summer.