Former Newcastle United defender Jose Enrique has dismissed Gabby Agonlahor's criticism of Kieran Trippier for continuing to travel with the squad on matchdays despite his injury. The England international has enjoyed an immediate impact on Tyneside since signing from Atletico Madrid in January.
Trippier is currently sidelined with a foot injury after scoring free-kicks in successive victories over Everton and Aston Villa last month. Newcastle have not provided a return date for the 31-year-old, although Eddie Howe has outlined his hope the defender will return before the end of the season.
The former Burnley and Tottenham full-back has travelled with the matchday squad for away matches despite his injury, and has been pictured joining in the dressing room celebrations after recent wins. Howe has confirmed Trippier will continue to play a key role despite his absence on the pitch, and praised his leadership qualities among his team-mates.
However, this decision from Trippier to remain involved led former Aston Villa striker Agbonlahor to take a controversial swipe at the defender earlier this month. The talkSPORT pundit insisted the Magpies' signing should be focusing on his recovery at home, and accused him of playing to the cameras.
It was a story which attracted the attention of Newcastle part-owner Jamie Reuben, who made his views on the matter clear by dubbing the pundit 'AgbonlaBORE'. Trippier himself responded to the criticism, posting a less than subtle response on social media with the caption suggesting he 'might get in trouble'.
Enrique is confident the defender's dedication has been appreciated by his team-mates, Howe and fans alike. The former Newcastle left-back went on to say the January signing is already acting like a captain, and that this support can only be a 'positive' to the team.
Speaking on behalf of Genting Casino, Enrique told ChronicleLive: "He is travelling with his team-mates and obviously the team have physios. He is still having treatment, and normally you travel one day before the game so when they go to the training pitch, he will still be doing his recovery work while at the same time supporting his team-mates in their most difficult moment.
"He is the most important player probably in the team in terms of what he has won, and he is supporting his club and his team-mates. He has been there with them during their worst possible moments.
"I think it is great, and an example for everyone. I wish every single player would do that, it is very positive.
"I don't understand. I respect Agbonlahor but it is very old-fashioned, I don't know why he would say that when he has been a player himself.
"If it was more of a 'normal' situation, I would understand where he is coming from. If the club was in a comfortable position and not fighting for anything, I'd get it.
"But when the team are in the worst situation, fighting relegation, Trippier is acting like a captain and he's just arrived. I'm sure he's still very focused upon his recovery.
"I think fans and Eddie will be loving that. I would love that if I was one of his team-mates."
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