Newcastle United news: Pundit issues ‘massive’ Allan Saint-Maximin claim pre-Brentford
Noel Whelan has hailed Newcastle after their performance in the injury absence of “star player” Allan Saint-Maximin.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, conceded the 24-year-old’s injury is a “massive blow” for the Magpies.
Newcastle came back from a goal down to draw 1-1 away at Champions League-chasing West Ham on Saturday (19 February) despite the absences of Saint-Maximin, Kieran Trippier and Callum Wilson.
According to ChronicleLive (20 February), Eddie Howe’s side hope the Frenchman can return to action in time to face Brentford on Saturday (26 February).
Whelan singled out Joe Willock for praise following his performance against the Hammers.
“It’s a massive blow to have him missing but at the same time, they’ve shown that there’s life without Saint-Maximin,” he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury.
“It’s been clear for a while now that he’s the main player who carries that Newcastle side and is the real danger man for them.
“But against West Ham the likes of Joe Willock took that mantle on brilliantly, carrying the ball forward really well.
“The players must take great credit because they’ve shown that it’s not all about one player in that team. Every team in the Premier League has a star player, of course.
“But it’s brilliant to see Newcastle pull out a convincing away performance without theirs. He’s so important to them.
“You’d rather have him in the side, and he’s a massive player, but it just goes to show that they are capable of getting results without him.”
Newcastle travel to the Brentford Community Stadium looking to stretch their league unbeaten run to seven games.
Howe’s side sit 17th – four points clear of the drop zone.
In other news, finance guru expects legal “explosion” at St James’ Park after latest news.