Lawal Israel
Eddie Howe revealed that the coaching team have been working with Allan St Maximin to improve his goal-scoring ability after a period of time out of the starting eleven.
The Frenchman has been dealing with a calf injury since beginning of February, which required him to travel abroad and get medical attention.
Since his injury, he has made four substitute appearances and was given the opportunity to start against Tottenham Hotspur last week.
However, the 25-year-old was in the starting lineup for Newcastle’s win over Wolves at St James Park on Friday. Chris Wood won a penalty for the Magpies after he set up the play with a through ball.
“With the length of time Maxi has been out and the training that he’s missed, I’d say he’s probably needed the two games that we’ve had” said head coach Eddie Howe.
“There was no lack of effort from Max tonight. I thought he gave everything for the team. I thought he maxed out physically, that will help him get to his best fitness levels.”
Howe continued: “He decides games. I think he’s got those moments in him. I think the move for the penalty was really good.
“He had a few chances today which I think was really pleasing to see him in goalscoring areas. It’s something we’ve working on with him. Despite the fact that he didn’t take any of those chances, it was great to see so positive signs for Max.”
St Maximin has five goals in all competitions for the Magpies so far this season.
