TAKE IT TO THE MAXIMIN!

Allan can be Toon talisman once more

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St James’ Park: 5.30pm

IAN MURTAGH

ALLAN SAINT-MAXIMIN will be handed the chance to reclaim his position as Toon talisman in the weeks leading up to Newcastle’s date with destiny at Wembley.

The Frenchman is set for his first start since August against West Ham, with Bruno Guimaraes starting a three-match ban.

And boss Eddie Howe has made it clear Saint-maximin can still force his way into the Magpies’ line-up to face Manchester United later this month.

Two hamstring injuries limited his game-time last year and, since returning to full fitness, he’s been unable to regain his place in the side having been an automatic choice for the past two seasons.

Guimaraes’ red card in the midweek Carabao Cup win over Southampton has suddenly opened the door for the winger.

And Howe (right) predicts big things from Saint-maximin in the weeks ahead.

“It’s going to be huge for him, personally,” said the Newcastle boss. “And huge for us that we get him in the best possible place to play.

“Physically, I think he’s in a good place now, probably the best since his injuries.

“He’s looked very good from the bench in recent weeks and hopefully that has helped his confidence levels, so that he can play a different role for us.

“Allan is unique and there’s no better player in the league at doing what

Allan does well, in my opinion.”

While the odds are against Howe discarding the 11 starters who have served him so well since the

New Year, he insists his Wembley line-up isn’t set in stone.

And as well as Saintmaximin, he hinted youngster Elliot Anderson could be handed a more prominent role soon.

Howe said: “Every player has to have that vision of them walking out at Wembley. And what is going to give them the best chance is training and playing well.

“With Bruno suspended, there will be a rejigging of the team and changes made – and that is an opportunity for someone else to come in and not go out of the team again.

“We believe in Elliot Anderson and this could be the moment in his career where we see the very best of him – a local lad who gets a chance in the team.”

Anthony Gordon is unlikely to start but could be on the bench alongside another new recruit, Harrison Ashby, bought from today’s opponents.

Both have only had one full training session with the firstteam squad.

Howe may have been tempted to hand Alexander Isak a start, but the Swedish striker faces a late fitness test after suffering slight concussion when James Ward-prowse’s free-kick late on in the semi-final struck him on the side of the head.

“We’ve followed all the protocols and he feels fine, but we’ll see how he is,” added Howe.