Rafa’s a genius says loanee Armstrong

NEWCASTLE United forward Adam Armstrong has labelled Rafa Benitez a “tactical genius” – and admits he does not yet know whether his Bolton Wanderers loan deal will be extended into the second half of the season.

The 20-year-old moved to Lancashire on a six-month loan during the summer, but it is unclear at this stage where the England youth international will spend the second half of the campaign.

Armstrong opened his league account for the Trotters last month but has found himself deployed primarily in a left-wing role for Bolton during his 18 Championship appearances so far.

Interestingly, however, during his praise for Magpies manager Benitez, Armstrong has also lauded the impact Bolton boss Phil Parkinson has had on his career too.

“Rafa is a brilliant manager who has worked with some of the best players in the world,” Armstrong told Bolton’s official matchday programme.

“He’s just got a presence when he is stood in front of you, you can’t help but be taken in by.

“He’s a tactical genius and I see a lot of him in the gaffer here. There really isn’t too much of a difference in terms of their management styles and, having worked under him for a few months now, I’m loving it.

“He’s been really good for me – I knew from the first day we met he’d be brilliant to work with and he’s really taken me under his wing.

“I’m enjoying my football. I’ve already seen an improvement in my game but I’m taking it each match as it comes. You can’t think too far ahead in football because it changes in an instant.

“He loves to give younger players a chance and he’s proven that with players like myself and Jedi [Antonee Robinson]. He’s a player I’ve known for a few years and I feel like we have got a really good relationship down the left.”

Newcastle Academy product Armstrong scored 20 goals in 40 games during an impressive loan spell in League One with Coventry City during the 2015/16 campaign, before netting six times in 34 appearances for Barnsley in the Championship last term.

Armstrong appears keen to extend his Bolton loan spell - and believes the experience is improving his all-round game.

He said: “Nobody knows what the future holds or what might happen in January but all I can do is keep kicking on, working hard and giving my all for Bolton.”