By Paul Robinson

3rd Dec, 2019 | 4:00pm

'Big asset' - Exclusive: Robinson drools over rarely-used Newcastle player with point to prove

Paul Robinson showered Newcastle United defender Javier Manquillo with praise following his display in the 2-2 draw with Manchester City.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider correspondent Laura O’Leary, the ex-England No.1 goalkeeper suggested that Manquillo was a big asset to Steve Bruce as he can impress after long-spells out of the team.

Manquillo played the full 90 minutes of the Magpies’ draw against Man City on Saturday after previously failing to make Bruce’s last six matchday squads.

Robinson stated that the defender’s latest performance was very commendable considering his lack of playing time, but did suggest the 25-year-old still had a point to prove.

When asked about Manquillo impressing against Man City after not playing recently, Robinson told Football Insider: “Any player who can do that is a big asset to their manager as to not play for such a long time and come in and put in a performance of that level is very commendable.

“It’s more important that you do it over a period of time though, he’s set his benchmark and now it’s time to do it week-in-week-out.”

Manquillo has played a total of six times across all competitions this season and struggled to feature at St James Park under Rafa Benitez as he made only 21 appearances in his 2018/19 campaign.

The 25-year-old right-back joined the Magpies from Spanish giants Atletico Madrid in 2017 and his current contract is set to expire at the end of the season.

In other Newcastle United news, Darren Bent believes Bruce having a word with Magpies star has caused him to be ‘On fire’.