Steve Bruce drops big Allan Saint-Maximin hint at Newcastle United

Saint-Maximin came off the bench in last night’s 2-1 defeat to Crystal Palace at St James’s Park – and the winger caused problems as Steve Bruce's side pushed for an equaliser.

The 23-year-old – who was out for two months after testing positive for Covid-19 late last year – could now start against Southampton, beaten 9-0 by Manchester United last night, at St James’s Park on Saturday.

Asked if Saint-Maximin was coming back into form, head coach Steve Bruce: "We obviously hope so. We keep protecting him. That’s another half an hour now. I think that’s probably four half-hours now. He’s getting his fitness levels back up. He’s starting to show signs that he’s ready to start.”

Newcastle, 16th in the Premier League, are eight points above the relegation zone, but third-bottom Fulham have two games in hand.

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