'He works hard to score' – Allan Saint-Maximin backs Newcastle United No9 Joelinton after first SJP goal

Newcastle United hero Allan Saint-Maximin has backed Joelinton to build on his goalscoring return to football.

The £40million Brazilian netted his first competitive goal in black and white at St James’s Park to out the icing on the cake of a comfortable Magpies victory.

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - JUNE 21: Allan Saint-Maximin of Newcastle United takes a knee as he celebrates after scoring his sides first goal during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Sheffield United at St. James Park on June 21, 2020 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England.

placeholder image — NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - JUNE 21: Allan Saint-Maximin of Newcastle United takes a knee as he celebrates after scoring his sides first goal during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Sheffield United at St. James Park on June 21, 2020 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England.

Saint-Maximin opened the scoring against the 10-man Blades before Matt Ritchie netted a cracker before putting a third on a plate for former Hoffenheim man Joelinton, who doubled his Premier League tally for the season.

“I’m really happy for him,” said Saint-Maximin.

“I see him in training he works hard to score.

“You have to know strikers have a tough time, hopefully he can add to that against Aston Villa.”

On his own strike and Black Lives Matter celebration, he continued: “We enjoyed it. I am really happy. It was important to start with a win and we did. You always have to be waiting - I try to concentrate and help the team.”