Wood could save Newcastle from relegation with help of two ‘terrific’ teammates – pundit
Alex McLeish has hinted “terrific” Newcastle United stars Allan Saint-Maximin and Kieran Trippier could bring the best out of Chris Wood.
The former Scotland manager, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted the 30-year-old striker could benefit from Saint-Maximin’s creative spark.
Newcastle announced on Thursday (13 January) that Wood had signed from Burnley after the Tyneside club triggered his release clause.
The New Zealand international follows Trippier through the door at St James’ Park, after his arrival was announced earlier this month (7 January).
McLeish suggested the England international could play a key role in “inspiring” Newcastle alongside Wood and Saint-Maximin.
“Saint-Maximin could be the go-to guy for stretching defences,” he told Football Insider‘s Russell Edge.
“He’s a terrific, entertaining player. You’d like to think he can really create the chances for Wood – who we know has got that free running, the strength, hold-up play.
“Trippier is another guy who knows what he’s doing. When you’ve got experienced guys like that it will give the manager so much more comfort.
“Newcastle need to get that bit of confidence, and these new signings can come in and really inspire the rest to try and turn things around.”
Wood has joined Newcastle with Callum Wilson ruled out through injury.
Quoted by Sky Sports last Saturday, Howe confirmed the England international could be sidelined for “eight weeks”.
Football Insider exclusively revealed on Wednesday (12 January) that the Magpies have set their sights on another striker signing, with a loan move most likely.
In other news, pundit predicts Newcastle are ‘well on the way to staying up’ after source’s update on £17million pursuit.