Eddie Howe delivers verdict on ‘excellent’ player linked with Newcastle exit

Add as preferred source on Google

Newcastle United turned around a 2-0 deficit to run out 2-3 winners against National League side Gateshead this afternoon with Eddie Howe’s side barely recognisable.

Eddie Howe rested many big name players as a very makeshift looking side took on Gateshead at the International Stadium in the craziest weather conditions.

The Magpies took a while to get going and fell to a 2-0 deficit in the first half, but after the break Newcastle got their act together and Elliot Anderson, Allan Saint-Maximin and Jay Turner-Cooke got their names on the scoresheet to ensure Newcastle got their pre-season off to a winning start.

Eddie Howe was full of praise for Allan Saint-Maximin

In the post-match press conference Eddie Howe was asked about the future of Allan Saint-Maximin who had a good game for the Magpies.

When asked if Saint-Maximin was part of his future plans, how told reporters (via The Chronicle): “Definitely, I love Allan. I’ve said that many times. You see his quality today. When he went to his best position as a left winger, he was excellent. He took his goal really well. He’s come back in a good place mentally. I’m very pleased with him.”

No doubt Howe’s words will do very little to quell the rumours that Saint-Maximin is on borrowed time at Newcastle, but regardless of the reality of that situation it’s nice to see Howe sticking by Saint-Maximin and continuing to say positive things about the 26-year-old.

There’s still a chance Newcastle could sell Saint-Maximin

It is of course in Howe’s best interest to do so as if he can keep Saint-Maximin’s spirits high then his performances will follow and that will make potential suitors stand up and take note if the feeling is that he needs to be sold.

Of course, the flip side is they don’t want to sell him at all and Saint-Maximin returns to his best and finds away to make his form consistent which will shut up all the nay-saysers.

For me is has never been about wanting Saint-Maximin to be sold, but about him being consistent and if he can find a way to do that I’ll be his biggest supporter. When he’s on his game he is phenomenal, but right now, one good game against a National League side isn’t enough to sway me just yet and I still believe he’s on the chopping block.