Shay Given has told Allan Saint-Maximin he needs to impress the Newcastle United boss after being given a rare start against West Ham United. The wide man has struggled with injuries this season, but the fine form of the Magpies has also made it difficult for the 25-year-old to force his way into the side.
The French winger was handed his first start by Eddie Howe since August, giving him an opportunity to impress in the absence of Bruno Guimaraes. The Brazilian midfielder was shown a red card for a poor challenge in the Magpies' Carabao Cup semi-final win over Southampton.
Saint-Maximin was linked with a move away from St. James' Park in January with AC Milan reportedly interested in signing the winger. However, Howe has stressed the importance of keeping him on Tyneside for the remainder of the campaign.
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Given told Sky Sports: "What I would say as well is this group of players, they’re all competing in these next three Premier League games to play in the cup final as well, so it’s not that there’ll be a lull now. They’ve got to impress Eddie, Saint-Maximin comes in tonight, there’s players that will want to play in that cup final, and they all have to impress him.
"Saint-Maximin - there’s no question about his attacking prowess. I think he’s absolutely brilliant on the ball, but sometimes it can be frustrating as Eddie needs to see his defensive side as well, that’s the question mark in the big games.
"Anthony Gordon’s come into the club just a couple of days ago, big money, so he’s in competition with Saint-Maximin as well, so again it’s an opportunity. Bruno Guimaraes misses the game tonight through suspension, he misses the next three games, and it’s a massive opportunity for Saint-Maximin here tonight."
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