© Stu Forster/Getty Images SportNewcastle United v Crystal Palace - Premier League
Newcastle United manager Steve Bruce has suggested that Allan Saint-Maximin is starting to show signs that he is ready to come back into the starting line-up, while he also revealed that new signing Joe Willock is in contention to feature against Southampton on Saturday.
The Magpies fell to their eighth defeat in their last 11 Premier League matches on Tuesday night, going down 2-1 at home to Crystal Palace, despite having more than 60% of the ball and firing in 21 shots. However, they were not able to convert some of the good chances which came their way and did not take advantage of getting into dangerous positions.
Saint-Maximin has been edged back to fitness by Bruce over the last few weeks, coming off the bench often to try and rescue proceedings in the closing stages. The attacker was brought on with 27 minutes remaining against Palace and completed three successful dribbles as he tried to make things happen (Sofascore). New signing Willock was unable to come into the squad for the game last night, though.
Speaking to the media after the defeat to Palace, Bruce hinted that Saint-Maximin could now finally return to the starting line-up when they face a heavily depleted Southampton side who were just on the end of a 9-0 thumping at Manchester United.
The manager said of the 23-year-old winger: "We obviously hope so. We keep protecting him. That's another half an hour now. I think that's probably four half-hours now. He's getting his fitness levels back up. He's starting to show signs that he's ready to start."
Bruce also revealed that Willock will be in contention to make his debut for the Magpies against the Saints, saying: "He brings energy and a goal from midfield. He's been here tonight and is in contention for Saturday."
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This is a major potential boost for the Magpies and offers hope that they will be able to convert some of their improvements into more consistent points. Newcastle have looked much better in the last two matches and have been playing with much more attacking intent and belief that they can get on the front foot.
They have sometimes lacked that crucial moment of quality in the final third, where their decision making has let them down. Saint-Maximin has looked dangerous in a few of his appearances off the bench, with the game against Leeds United in particular showing the impact that he can have.
Meanwhile, Willock is a player with some of the qualities which have been missing in the Magpies' midfield, with the 21-year-old having the ability to get into the box with late runs and add an extra attacking threat. Don't be surprised if he comes straight into the team against Southampton.