Bruce backing hitman to give Newcastle a forward push

VSTEVE BRUCE is convinced that Dwight Gayle can be the answer to Newcastle’s goalscoring prayers.

And he is ready to hand the striker only his third start of the season at former club Crystal Palace today.

With £40million star Joelinton nursing a slight thigh strain, Bruce has the chance to take the goal-shy Brazilian out of the firing line and throw in Gayle.

The 29-year-old former Eagle has been plagued by injuries this season, having not scored a Premier League goal for 20 months. But Bruce says his faith in Gayle has never wavered and he saw enough of him on loan at West Brom last year – when he bagged 24 goals – to believe he can reproduce that form.

“We’ve gone from July to February and only seen glimpses, but he’s a natural goalscorer without question,” said boss Bruce, whose side have earned just one league win since Christmas.

“He’s had horrible calf and hamstring problems and all we seem to talk about is him leaving but I’ve always said

DAGENHAM & REDBRIDGE: 2012-13 (L2) games goals PETERBOROUGH: 2012-13 (C/ship) CRYSTAL PALACE: 2013-14 (PL) 25 games 8 goals 2014-15 (PL) 29 games 10 goals games goals

I want to keep him because he has a part to play.

“Dwight’s always been in and around the Championship when I’ve seen him but his instincts and his movement are those of a natural goalscorer. Left foot, right foot, great finisher.

“Has he done it in the Premier League? He’s never really played week in, week out. People said Jamie Vardy couldn’t do it at this level but when you’re a natural finisher...”

Bruce concedes that is not a description that can be attached to Joelinton, whose only league goal was in August.While backing the record signing when he arrived, the manager accepts the South American may never score the goals that his iconic No9 shirt demands.

“We were hoping he could get 10 or 12 goals this season,” he said.

“I can defend him every day but he’s Newcastle’s No9 with a big transfer fee.

“He has to live with that expectation and will be judged on goals.” games

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