Brian Kilcline on Newcastle duo Dan Burn and Chris Wood

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Former Newcastle United defender Brian Kilcline believes that both Dan Burn and Chris Wood offer something the Magpies been lacking.

The man who spent two years on Tyneside spoke to The Chronicle about the duo and their impact at Newcastle thus far.

Kilcline, who was signed by Kevin Keegan at Newcastle, said: “I’ve seen him [Burn] play and he can instil that Geordie passion and magnify it on the pitch. They’ve got another big unit, [Chris] Wood, upfront. They’ve bought these two lads in to do a job and, my God, they are doing a job.

“These two lads can play as well, but they are giving the team a presence.”

Both Burn and Wood have done a job and helped Newcastle turn around their dire form in 2022

The duo have both played a role this season for Newcastle since arriving in January. Wood may only have a goal to his name for the Magpies but he’s played his part elsewhere.

Eddie Howe’s side has utilised his aerial ability often using him as the man to hold up the ball. Additionally, he will often win a lot of headers, which is how he got his first goal for the club.

However, Wood will be full of confidence coming out of the international break. He became New Zealand’s all-time top scorer, cementing his name in the country’s history books.

As for Dan Burn, he’s been one of the standouts of the five signings made. He debuted against Aston Villa and was given Man of the Match by Sky Sports in a 1-0 win.

He’s been a rock at the back and developed a strong partnership with Fabian Schar. The duo has kept captain Jamaal Lascelles out of the side.

So it’s safe to say that Burn has had a tremendous impact on the Newcastle defence. As Kilcline identified, he might be very tall, but he can play the ball very well.

Should Newcastle stay up both can certainly say they’ve played a role. Survival looks highly likely, the Magpies will just need to make sure they keep their foot on the gas.

They took on Spurs in their next fixture. Tottenham’s ground is a stadium where Newcastle haven’t lost at since they moved there back in 2019. So if history is any indicator they’ll hope they can get something from it.