GIN ‘ N TONIC
Allan can be new Toon idol SAINT h
ALLAN SAINT- MAXIMIN has been backed to become Newcastle’s new David Ginola. The French winger signed a six- year contract this week, worth 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 a thriving SaintMaximin 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 said: “The next step for him 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. “I get to hear about his social media and he is as big a star on that as on the pitch. He is a bright lad, intelligent. He is great to have around the place. “We’ve seen what Allan can do, just look at Burnley. Only he can score the first goal, he sent four of them the wrong way. His ability is remarkable. “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.” Newcastle chief scout Steve Nickson has been cited by SaintMaximin as a key influence, with regular chats and advice. Bruce said: “Steve was instrumental in bringing him to the club. He was involved with him when we signed him. “He associated with him behind the scenes and quietly tried 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!”