NOBBY’S NUTS FOR ALMIRON

NOBBY SOLANO is backing Miguel Almiron to continue Newcastle’s special relationship with South America.

The club smashed a transfer record that had stood for over 13 years when they brought the Paraguayan to the North East in the January transfer window.

And the 25-year-old now finds himself in a distinguished list of South American players who have donned the famous black and white stripes.

That includes English football’s first Brazilian import Mirandinha, Colombian great Faustino Asprilla, and Peruvian Solano.

Almiron isn’t the first Paraguayan to play for Newcastle, with Diego Gavilan having made seven appearances for the club between 2000 and 2003.

But he’s the first to carry such huge weight of expectations as Newcastle’s long-suffering supporters look to the man from the MLS to sprinkle some much-needed star-dust over St James’ Park

Peru’s assistant coach has urged caution but is confident Almiron can deliver. Solano, who is still a regular visitor to Tyneside, said: “The Newcastle fans will love him. He’s very skilful but it will take him some time to settle in.

“It’s up to Rafa where he will use Almiron but, for me, he’s a similar kind of player to Angel Di Maria.

“For Paraguay he plays as a winger. If Newcastle play a 4-3-3 then he will be a Willian or an Eden Hazard out wide. He’s very lively, he’ll take people on and the Newcastle fans always love the South American players who can do that.

“You’ve had Mirandinha, you’ve had Asprilla – even me! But it takes time to adapt to the Premier League – that’s the same with any player but particularly those from South America.

“You need to get the pace. But I hope that given some time he can make a difference.”

Option

That will be music to the ears of Newcastle fans now owner Mike Ashley has finally splashed some cash.

The ill-feeling towards the Londoner is unlikely to disappear anytime soon. Almiron’s purchase has, though, bought Ashley some time and also handed Rafa Benitez the kind of attacking option lacking so far this season.

A win against Manchester City in their last league match at St James’ has also hinted at better things to come as Newcastle prepare to take on high-flying Wolves tomorrow.

Solano added: “It is asking a lot for one player to come in and change all that but I hope this will be a big step forward.”