Steve Bruce has been speaking about Joelinton during his appearance on BBC Radio Newcastle.
The Toon manager went on the Total Sport show for an hour tonight to take calls from supporters.
Talk turned to the Brazilian at one stage, with a caller asking Bruce if he, hand on heart, felt he would come good.
Since his move to the club a couple of years ago, Joelinton has struggled to prove his worth for the Magpies.
He’s only scored 10 goals in 81 appearances to date.
Bruce said: “I sincerely hope so – it won’t be through a lack of trying.
“I do believe he was thrust into a difficult situation. Of course, the huge price tag can weigh a lot of people down.
“I do believe he’s better playing to a side, rather than being an out-and-out centre-forward.
“I think he had his 25th birthday last week. I really – hand on heart, like you said – hope so because there’s nobody more desperate to do well than big Joe.”
Interestingly, a suggestion was then put to Bruce about whether his superiors at Newcastle have ever encouraged or instructed him to play the South American.
He responded: “It’s the one thing I would never allow. I’ve got to stop that nonsense.
“They’ve never once said to me ‘Steve, you must play him because we’ve paid a lot of money’. I can categorically deny that.”
Joelinton must prove worth this term
Joelinton is into his third season now at Newcastle.
One feels it could be his last chance to prove himself at St. James’ Park.
Another poor campaign and the club may well look to offload him next summer before he can head towards the final his contract.
Bruce gave a measured answer when asked if he felt he could come good.
That was perhaps just to avoid putting additional pressure on him.
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