Your Newcastle United headlines for Sunday, October 2.
Wilson on substitution
Callum Wilson has admitted he was unhappy to be substituted against Fulham - but stands by Eddie Howe’s decision. The number nine was withdrawn on 66 minutes, with Newcastle coasting at 4-0.
Injury woes have plagued Wilson’s time on Tyneside but, when fit, nobody can doubt his goalscoring ability. Not willing to risk another spell on the treatment table, Howe hooked the striker on his return from a hamstring problem.
Wilson - who bagged the opener in the 4-1 rout - looked disappointed to be brought off and was quizzed about the substitution after the game. He told ChronicleLive: "It was just go out and play, the way the game panned out you get frustrated.
READ MORE: Eddie Howe's ruthless words as half-time pitchside enquiry shows fear Newcastle put into Fulham
“We had a little laugh on the side about it. When you are 4-0 up and you are on the pitch and in the emotion of the game you are disappointed. There are goals there, I should have had a hat-trick but then when you sit and think logically about the decision you respect it. You understand the thinking behind it. I am grateful to the manager.
"He has made his decision and I stand by it. I've been back a week and it has been a long process. It's been a long process. I have been on the pitch for a week and done all the specific work and drills. I feel I could have played 90 minutes but I guess they had a plan."
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Shearer’s Miggy praise
Alan Shearer believes Miguel Almiron’s stunning volley could win the goal of the season in May. Shades of Marco van Basten were on show at Craven Cottage yesterday when the Paraguayan caught Bernd Leno off guard with a volley.
A fierce first-time strike was akin to Shearer’s spectacular effort against Aston Villa in November 2001. Speaking on Match of the Day, the Magpies’ all-time leading goalscorer lauded Almiron for his man-of-the-match performance.
"Miggy was so fine he blew my mind,” Shearer said. “Two games for Paraguay he still had loads of energy. Running in behind, he caused them problems all afternoon.
"You're about to see the goal of the month if not the goal of the season. What a strike this is, the technique, the ability to do it, the confidence to do it. The keeper has no chance.”
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ASM injury boost
Howe hinted following the win that Allan Saint-Maximin could be back for next weekend. Supporters were surprised to see the Frenchman omitted from the matchday squad for the trip to West London.
However, the Toon boss did not think Saint-maximin was ready - revealing he only returned to training on Friday. Howe said post-match: "Yeah, hopefully (Saint-Maximin will be back soon). It’s always difficult to give a guarantee, but he did train with the team on Friday.
"He trained well. But, for me, it was too early to involve him. We need to make sure when he comes back he’s fit enough to do himself and the team justice. Hopefully, with a good training week under his belt, he’ll be closer."
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READ NEXT
- Eddie Howe's red card verdict as Newcastle boss feared for Sean Longstaff
- Eddie Howe delighted with Newcastle United 'attitude' as Magpies 'wanted it more' at Fulham
- Almiron's best this term, Longstaff dominates, NUFC player ratings
- Match report: Dominant United up to seventh after four-star display
- Newcastle owners see glimpse of future and Jack Grealish silenced - 5 things
