Newcastle United ‘delighted’ by ‘surprise’ Bruno Guimaraes development – pundit
Newcastle United will be delighted about the lack of game time their players are getting at the World Cup.
That’s according to former West Ham hitman Frank McAvennie, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about the Magpies’ international stars.
Bruno Guimaraes, Fabian Schar and Nick Pope were all unused substitutes in the first round of World Cup fixtures.
Kieran Trippier has started both of England’s games while Callum Wilson came off the bench with 20 minutes to go against Iran on 21 November.
McAvennie insists this is ideal for the club even if the toon army fanbase are disappointed.
“Listen, you want to see your team’s players doing well and going to the World Cup,” McAvennie told Football Insider correspondent Ben Wild.
“You want to see them playing on the biggest stage. But on the other hand, you want to keep those players fit and you want them rested for the second half of the season.
“So it’s only trippier who is playing. He is someone who gets injured a fair bit but he’s been ok this season, it’s one to keep an eye on.
“To be honest I think Newcastle will be delighted that Guimaraes didn’t play for Brazil. He is such a big player for them and him getting injured could be devastating.
“I’m sure he will play at some point, I was surprised to see him on the bench actually, but every time he doesn’t play then I’m sure Newcastle’s coaches will secretly be quite happy.”
Guimaraes has scored three goals in 12 games for Newcastle this season.
Brazil are next in action against Switzerland on Monday (28 November).
In other news, one pundit claims Newcastle United are ‘close’ to making a ‘superstar’ signing.