GINOLA TO THE MAX
Bruce tells Saint-Maximin he can become a Toon legend like fellow French star after he signs a six-year deal to stay at Newcastle
The French winger penned a sixyear contract this week, doubling his money to around £70k a week, and boss Steve Bruce has laid down a new challenge.
Ginola was a hero on Tyneside during the Kevin Keegan era, and Bruce believes Saint-Maximin can have a similar impact.
The 23-year-old said he was persuaded to stay at St James’ Park because of the “project” and Bruce (above) says that means becoming a world beater.
The Toon chief said: “The next step is for him to be part of the history of this great club. Can he be a Ginola? He can be anything he wants.
“I hope that maturity will come, and that he keeps the maverick in him that makes him the player he is. He scored a goal in training the other day and it was ludicrous how good it was.
“He is jumping around the place this week. He’s had a nice new pay deal and he couldn’t be happier.
“We have seen his impact in the last 12 months. He has been excellent. His best years are ahead of him. He is only 23 and he has committed his future to us.
“I get to hear about his social media and he is as big a star on that as he is on the pitch. He is a really bright lad. Intelligent. He is great to have around the place. “We’ve seen what Allan can do, just look at the Burnley game. Only he can score the first goal, when he sent four of them the wrong way. His natural ability is quite remarkable. Let’s hope it’s his day again.
“He’s full of the joys of spring at the moment and so he should be after committing himself to the club for the next six years, which we’re delighted about. “Whoever he is playing against, when he is right and he is good, he is a handful for anyone. “He has to be more consistent and more disciplined at times. But he has the world at his feet. When he matures we hope he turns into the player we see, week-in week-out. He has everything in front of him.”
Newcastle chief scout Steve Nickson has been cited by SaintMaximin as a key influence, with regular chats and advice.
Bruce added: “Steve was instrumental in bringing him to the club. He was involved with him when we signed him. He can associate with him behind the scenes and try to look after him. That goes for all my staff.
“We want to keep all players happy. The way we look after them with housing, we feed them, we even have someone who pays their bills.
“I’ve never had anyone pay a gas bill or a car park fine!”