Dan Burn: Pundit shares ‘honest’ verdict on Newcastle debutant after he thrilled Gary Neville
Dan Burn will prove to be the most important signing Newcastle United made in January.
That’s according to former West Ham hitman Frank McAvennie, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about the defender’s first outing for the Toon.
Burn, 29, made his Newcastle debut on Sunday (13 January) as his new side beat Aston Villa 1-0.
The January signing impressed and was given the man of the match award by Sky Sports’ Gary Neville.
In that game, fellow January signing Kieran Trippier picked up an injury and is set for an extended spell on the sidelines.
However, McAvennie insists the Magpies won’t fall apart as long as Burn stays fit.
“They needed a centre-back so badly, that was obvious,” McAvennie told Football Insider correspondent Ben Wild.
“They have one now and he was solid against Villa. So if he gets injured, then you worry.
“Then Newcastle are back to the defence that was conceding goals for fun.
“Trippier being injured is a blow, yes, but Burn getting injured would be worse.
“He has so much experience and he’s a Newcastle fan, he will die for that club, you can’t buy that.
“As long as he stays fit, I think Newcastle will be fine because he will beat the teams you would expect them to beat.
“I honestly think Burn will be their most important signing from January.”
Newcastle have won their last three games, lifting the club out of the relegation zone.
Eddie Howe’s side are next in action against West Ham on Saturday (19 February).
In other news, one pundit has reacted after Newcastle were hit with another injury blow on Tuesday.