After four appearances off the bench, Saturday should see the return of Allan Saint-Maximin to the starting XI.
Newcastle have seriously struggled during the Frenchman’s absence, with Saint-Maximin missing 11 games due to the effects of COVID.
His return has been a boost for Toon supporters, although he has been unable to have any impact off the bench – other than his role in Callum Wilson’s second against Everton.
Saint-Maximin has been reduced to a cameo role as he looks to get back to full fitness, but Steve Bruce believes he is now ready to start.
With Ryan Fraser struggling with illness midweek, it looked as though Saint-Maximin would get his first start of the year against Palace. However, that didn’t happen.
Fraser was passed fit, and Bruce has explained why he didn’t start his talisman.
“The team picked itself against Crystal Palace because Everton was easily our best performance of the season,” Bruce told the club’s official website.
“Allan is fit, we are pleased with him and he’s ready to start so let’s hope he can have the impact we all know he can have.”
Saint-Maximin ready to start
As much as we want to see Saint-Maximin play, it’s understandable why Bruce didn’t start him on Tuesday night.
The team that played so well against Everton deserved another chance to impress – although unfortunately they didn’t take it.
Bruce must start Saint-Maximin against Southampton, and give him the chance to impact a game from the off.
If he doesn’t, Bruce can expect another frosty response from fans. Or will it just be mass hysteria?
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