Pundit issues ‘huge’ Newcastle United claim after ‘surprise’ Bruno Guimaraes development
Newcastle United have been handed a “huge” boost as none of their players made it to the last stages of the World Cup.
That’s according to former Hibernian striker Tam McManus, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about the “surprise” development.
With England and Brazil’s exits at the quarter-final stage, all of the Toon’s representatives in Qatar have been knocked out of the tournament.
Newcastle’s season gets back underway on Tuesday (20 December) as Eddie Howe faces off against former side Bournemouth in the League Cup.
However, McManus fears this game may come too soon for the Magpies’ World Cup stars.
“It’s a big boost for Newcastle, there is no doubt about that,” McManus told Football Insider‘s Ben Wild.
“I was surprised to see Brazil go and the manner in which they went out was a bit odd as well, not many people saw it coming.
“In any case, it means Newcastle don’t have any players going past the quarter final stage. That gives those players enough time to get home and ready for that Bournemouth game next week.
“Will they play in that game? I’m not sure. But it does mean there are no excuses when it comes to their Boxing Day game.
“Howe will want to get the season back underway with a win so having Wilson, Bruno, Trippier and Pope all available must be a huge relief for him.”
Fabian Schar and Garang Kuol were the Toon’s other representatives at the World Cup.
Kuol has returned to Australia ahead of linking up with his new teammates.
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