'He is not that fella' – Pundit claims Newcastle United are in dire straits if Joelinton is the man they must turn to in Premier League survival fight

The former striker, assessing the Brazilian’s Newcastle performances, thinks the Magpies have a real problem on their hands in the final months of the season – if Joelinton is the man they require to score goals.

Joelinton has scored just three Premier League goals in his 58 top flight appearances to date. He has not scored a goal in the competition since November 27 – his strike against Crystal Palace, which counts as his only goal in 20 Premier League outings.

And with injuries hitting Steve Bruce’s squad hard – Callum Wilson is likely to miss at least the next three games, while news is awaited on injuries to Miguel Almiron and Allan Saint-Maximin – Joelinton is likely to continue in United’s front three as they navigate their way through a crucial few weeks of the campaign.

And former Leeds United, Everton and Leicester City forward Beckford, does not believe Joelinton is the man United want, when they’re looking for goals to keep their head above troubled waters.

“The problem is a goalscorer,” said Beckford.

“You've got Joelinton up top and if you are looking for goals, he is not that fella.

“They really need to find a way of making him fit.”

Reports suggest Almiron’s injury is not as bad as first feared, despite Bruce claiming he ‘feared the worst’ for the player when he was withdrawn at half-time in the Wolves draw.