Eddie Howe insists Allan Saint-Maximin's training performance during the international break saw him keep his place in the Newcastle United starting XI. The winger, who was withdrawn at half-time against Nottingham Forest before the break, justified Howe's decision on Sunday by putting in a fine performance during the win over Manchester United.
Saint-Maximin helped himself to an assist and ran riot down the left flank after keeping hold of his spot in the team despite Joelinton returning from suspension. The Frenchman has struggled to consistently deliver in recent months but has clearly proved his worth to Howe in training despite carrying a hamstring issue of late.
“I thought his performance was very good,” the Newcastle boss told reporters. “He deserved to keep his place, in my opinion. He’d been struggling with a hamstring injury.
