Newcastle United full-back Jamal Lewis believes the club is “capable” of achieving an “easy” top-half finish in the Premier League.
It has been a difficult start to the new campaign which has seen Steve Bruce’s side pick up one point from a possible nine and crash out of the Carabao Cup against Burnley on penalties. Despite this, Lewis is optimistic that the tide will turn.
But it’s going to take a lot more than the Northern Ireland international’s remarks to radiate positivity across the club’s fanbase.
Although fans are back at St James’ Park this season, the results have done little to ease the groans that were compounded by a quiet transfer window.
Can the Magpies improve on last season?
Bruce’s side finished 12th last season, but with several teams investing heavily this summer, despite signing Joe Willock for £25m (Sky Sports), Newcastle’s squad is arguably weaker than last year.
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The Magpies’ success will heavily depend on the availability and form of star duo Callum Wilson and Allan Saint-Maximin.
But Lewis believes the squad as a collective is capable of more and should be targeting an improvement on last season.
Speaking to The Northern Echo, Lewis said: “I think this team is capable of an easy top-half finish, stringing performances together that the fans love.
“Obviously with the fans coming back, being strong at home and hard to beat, we can create some great memories this season.
“I think the top half is a viable target for us. But executing it is different. We need to talk less and string these performances together.”
When will Lewis get league chance?
Lewis is yet to feature in the Premier League this season with Matt Ritchie being favoured in the left wing-back role.
The 23-year-old did start in the Carabao Cup and has got some much-needed game time during the international break.
Lewis, who had a hernia operation at the end of last season, will be eager to grasp his chance when the opportunity arises.
The former Norwich City man might be recalled on Saturday when Bruce’s side travel to Cristiano Ronaldo’s Manchester United. The full-back could come into a more defensive-minded side with Ritchie potentially playing in front of him.
A lot of fans will want to believe and support Lewis’ belief that the squad can improve, but right now the biggest focus should be getting that first win of the season.