Steve Bruce gives his verdict on Dwight Gayle's return to Newcastle United's starting XI
Steve Bruce has backed Dwight Gayle to be better for the minutes he got under his belt against Chelsea.
Gayle made his first Premier League start of the season in Newcastle United’s 2-0 Premier League defeat to Chelsea on Monday night. Bruce had recalled the striker after losing leading scorer Callum Wilson to a hamstring injury.
Gayle, 30, had a quiet game for the relegation-threatened club at Stamford Bridge.
Speaking ahead of Sunday’s game against Manchester United at Old Trafford, head coach Bruce said: “It was always going to be difficult for Dwight. We were aware it was his first game of the season. He had a knee operation at the start of the season. We knew it was going to be a difficult ask for Dwight, but he stuck at it, and got 65 minutes under his belt.
"We always know he can score a goal. He got some minutes under his belt which can only help.”