John Barnes does not believe Ivan Toney would 'lead the Newcastle team' amid speculation linking him with a return to St. James' Park. The former Magpies forward was sold by Rafa Benitez to Peterborough United and he's since rebuilt his career with Brentford in the Premier League.
Speculation has seen the 26-year-old linked with a move back to Tyneside this summer, but Barnes believes Chris Wood has done just as good a job as Toney would. The New Zealand international has not bee prolific in front of goal but has chipped in with important goals on Newcastle's journey to survival.
The Magpies have hit the 40 point mark for the season with five games of the campaign remaining and Wood has played a major part in that rebuild. Speaking to BonusCodeBets, Barnes believes Wood can also play a big part next season.
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He said: “Ivan Toney wouldn’t necessarily lead the Newcastle team if he moved there, he’d just be a part of it. Chris Wood has done well for them - he may not of scored the goals since his move, but he’s been part of a team that’s surged up the league.
“Wood will never score many goals, but he contributes by bringing others into play, getting into the box and he holds play up. That’s exactly what Newcastle need.
“Ivan Toney wouldn’t score 30 a season at Newcastle because of the way they play, it’s very different to Brentford. Since Wood has been there, the team have got better and in the short term he's not a problem – even for next year.
“In terms of the future with the money Newcastle have to grow, in three or four years when they look to make the top four, then Chris Wood wouldn’t be the answer. Teams need to grow slowly.”
