Benitez backs Almiron to find feet quickly

NEWCASTLE boss Rafael Benitez is confident record signing Miguel Almiron is mentally ready to be pitched into the heat of Premier League battle.

The Paraguay forward, who turned 25 on Sunday, completed a deadline day switch from MLS side Atlanta United as Benitez’s pleas for financial support from owner Mike Ashley finally paid dividends.

Benitez is confident the playmaker is ready to take on the challenge, starting with a possible debut at Wolves on Monday evening.

He said: “When you talk with him, he is ready, mentally he is ready and he says he wants to play and is available. You can see him in training, he is very dynamic, he is always involved, so that is fine.

“But it is the Premier League and the physicality and all those things, you have to cope with that. We will see how he feels and the other players are doing.”