Former Newcastle United goalkeeper Shay Given has heaped praise on Callum Wilson for not crumbling under pressure as he ended his goal scoring drought against West Ham United. The Toon striker went through one-on-one with Łukasz Fabiański and opened the scoring after three minutes, showing no signs of man out of form.
Wilson's last goal for Newcastle came against Aston Villa back in October, prior to the winter break for the World Cup in Qatar. He's missed just two games for the Magpies since returning from injury earlier this season and has been praised for his performance against the Hammers.
The Toon striker admitted he could and probably should have had another goal to his name after being denied by Fabianski and then again by West Ham defender Nayef Aguerd. Given told Sky Sports: "I think it's been ten games since he last scored. He's a brilliant striker and we spoke about the goal just before, when he was in front of goal with Fabianski just to beat, he looked comfortable.
READ MORE: Alan Shearer reflects on 'fair result' as Newcastle share spoils with West Ham
"It looked like that's his happy place. He was nice and calm with the finish but then again his interview is really honest as well.
"He had a one-vs-one in the second-half and he had that header and his honesty - 'I jumped too early' - he could have planted his foot and headed it back where it came from. But again, confidence as a striker, getting that goal today will be important and it's Bournemouth next and Liverpool before the cup final.
"As I said before the game today, they'll all be itching to play in the cup final so that goal will do him the world of good today."
Jamie Redknapp added: "He's a top professional. He's started in the lower leagues and had a great spell at Bournemouth and now he's doing so well at Newcastle.
"He played for England in the World Cup and he's showing his quality. I think the important thing with Callum is just keeping him fit, he's that important to this team, Isak as well is an important player and they've been unlucky with injuries as well."
Our 48-page Carabao Cup final special is available to pre-order now! Click HERE to get your copy as Newcastle United prepare for a historic day out at Wembley. Also available to purchase through local participating retailers from February 15.
READ NEXT:
The intriguing Matt Targett decision for Eddie Howe with Newcastle star edging back to fitness
Eddie Howe details Newcastle United plan for replacing suspended Bruno Guimaraes
Callum Wilson sends 'confident' message as Newcastle United reach Carabao Cup final
Newcastle bid another emotional farewell in 'really nice moment' away from television cameras
Alexander Isak must be the man to replace huge Bruno Guimaraes void at Newcastle United in February
