Steve Bruce rules out striker arrival at Newcastle United

Newcastle United head coach Steve Bruce is convinced he has enough attacking cover in the event he loses Callum Wilson or Allan Saint-Maximin to injury.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

The pair missed a combined total of 25 Premier League matches last season, which largely contributed to the Magpies’ battle with relegation.

Once the duo returned – Saint-Maximin in particular – United surged towards safety, also aided by a tweak in formation and Joe Willock’s remarkable goalscoring form.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Given Dwight Gayle and Joelinton scored just five league goals between them last term, United fans have questioned whether there is sufficient depth in attack.

Newcastle United pair Allan Saint-Maximin and Callum Wilson. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)Newcastle United pair Allan Saint-Maximin and Callum Wilson. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Newcastle United pair Allan Saint-Maximin and Callum Wilson. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

However, Bruce does not share similar fears. He said: “It is the difficulty we all face. Wolves faced it with (Raul) Jimenez. How important he is to them, they miss his goals.

“We are not going to have a Saint-Maximin or a Callum Wilson in reserve.

“I am convinced we have enough goals in our team having watched us. Certainly at the back end of last year. We want to replicate that but also improve defensively.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“We have got to try and attack, looking at the team we have got we have two wing-backs who are attack-minded, we have two in the middle of the park who want to score a goal in Almiron and Joe Willock and two up top.

“I am convinced there are goals in the team. But we have to try and improve defensively and not leave the gaping gaps, big holes we did last week.”

That said, Bruce did admit a lot of United’s success depends on Saint-Maximin and Wilson staying fit.

Bruce added: “We’re like a lot of teams, and I was asked on the radio, if everybody is fit, and I’ve said this repeatedly, then we know we are a very decent side.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“I can give you Jimenez at Wolves or (Wilfried) Zaha at Crystal Palace, your big players are your vital players, so to keep them well and fit - and that goes for Callum and other attacking players we’ve got, Joe Willock is another one - can we keep them fit and make sure that they can play in and play out?”

A message from the Football Clubs Editor

Our aim is to provide you with the best, most up-to-date and most informative Newcastle United coverage 365 days a year.

This depth of coverage costs, so to help us maintain the high-quality reporting that you are used to, please consider taking out a subscription; sign up here.

Your support is much appreciated. Richard Mennear, Football Clubs Editor