Saint-Maximin glad to get United back on track after superb cameo
Steve Bruce hailed Allan Saint-Maximin's impact off the bench after the winger fired Newcastle United closer to Premier League safety.
Fit-again Saint-Maximin scored one goal and set up another for Jacob Murphy in a 2-1 win over Burnley after coming off the bench yesterday afternoon.
The result, only the 17thplaced club’s third win in 20 Premier League games, saw Bruce’s side go six points clear of third-bottom Fulham ahead of next weekend's home game against West Ham United.
Callum Wilson, back from a hamstring injury, also came off the bench at Turf Moor, where Burnley had led through a first-half Matej Vydra strike.
“Allan’s missed half a season,” said head coach Bruce.
“They’d both had muscle injuries, so I think it made sense (to start them on the bench). They made an impact. Probably only Allan can do that. Let’s hope they stay well.
“That’s been the key. I think that was his (SaintMaximin's) 18th appearance.
"Our big players haven’t bee available. You need your big players.
"He’s a very talented player, who hasn’t been available for half a season. It’s been a struggle without them.”
“It’s three points towards that magical figure. You’ got to get to that figure.
"It (the club’s position) is
certainly a lot more healthy today than it was this morning.”
Saint-Maximin had been “frustrated” not to make the starting XI.
Speaking to Sky Sports,
Saint-Maximin said: "I feel really great. Everyone knows how important these games are. I give this win to the supporters.
"I’m happy to score to help my team-mates. I feel great.
“I was frustrated to be into the bench, and losing 1-0. The coach said to give me 30 minutes to show me what I can do. I had to be ready.
“It’s a big opportunity. We have six points on Fulham. We just have to win, and keep going forward against West Ham.
"When you’ve been losing, it’s important to come back stronger.”
Saint-Maximin had come off the bench in last weekend’s 2-2 draw against Tottenham Hotspur after recovering from the groin problem which had kept him out for more than a month.