Steve Bruce makes big call on Allan Saint-Maximin at Newcastle United for Aston Villa game

The winger, sidelined since November after testing positive for Covid-19, has been named in the squad for tomorrow’s Premier League game against Aston Villa at Villa Park after returning to full training this week.

“Saint-Maximin’s in the squad,” said head coach Steve Bruce, who is under intense pressure on Tyneside following a series of defeats.

“He’s came througth all week. He’s trained well, looks in decent shape, which is important. There’s no doubt, at this particular moment in time, he’ll give everybody a huge lift, because we know how important he is, especially in the forward area.

"He’s the one player that we look to (to) have a bit of creativity, so it’s good that he’s back. We’ve still got one or two problems in the centre of defence, especially with Feddy and Ciaran Clark. Fab Schar, we hope, will make it. So we’re a little bit light in that area.

"I think the good news for all Newcastle fans is that Allan will take some part.

"We’re in your in the bottom half, or even in the top half, how important is one player?

"Certainly, Allan, over the last 18 months, has given everyone a lift. He’s been out for two months with this horrible virus. It’s been tough. It looks as if he’s on the mend, let’s hope he stays well.”

Newcastle, beaten 3-0 by Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Monday night and without a win in nine games in all competitions, are 15th in the Premier League and seven points above third-bottom Fulham.

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