Eddie Howe says Allan Saint-Maximin is working on his finishing after missing a great chance against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
The French star has scored five goals this season with goals after running at defences but Howe would love to see him add a scrappy goal to his collection. Saint-Maximin ballooned the ball over from close range after a fine cross from Bruno Guimaraes after 64 minutes of the game.
Saint-Maximin made six dribbles forward and produced four shots against Wolves and looked lively throughout the contest. Howe reflected: "With the length of time Maxi's been injured, the amount of training he's missed, I'd say he's probably needed the two games we've had. "There was no lack of effort from Maxi, I thought he gave everything for the team, I thought he gave his all physically and that will help him get to his best fitness levels."
READ MORE: Eddie Howe reaping the rewards for Bruno Guimaraes masterplan
Saint-Maximin had a big hand in the moment that led to Newcastle winning a penalty with 18 minutes left as Chris Wood stepped up and duly scored the winner.
Howe knows that Saint-Maximin, who former boss Steve Bruce kept an arm around throughout his time on Tyneside, can be the difference between winning and losing. The former AFC Bournemouth boss said: "The thing with Allan is he decides games, he's got those moments in him and the move for the penalty, I thought, was really good.
"He had a few chances as well, which is really pleasing, actually, to see him in goalscoring areas."
But after watching Saint-Maximin, who has won Chronicle Live's player of the year award in 2020 and 2021, miss that sitter against Wolves, Howe is keen to get him scoring those tap-ins sooner rather than later. Howe added: "It's something we're working on with him and despite the fact he didn't take any of those chances, it was great to see, so positive signs from Maxi."
