Hit man Gayle’s told to forget his spot kick miss by Benitez

RAFA Benitez has told Dwight Gayle to forget his late penalty miss against Royal Antwerp.

The Toon No 9 was keen to be on the scoresheet to stay sharp for Newcastle United’s relegation battle, but saw his kick pushed around the post in the friendly clash in Spain.

However, when asked about Gayle’s penalty afterwards, Benitez told the Chronicle: “I said to Dwight these things happen sometimes, especially in a friendly, because you can be a little bit more relaxed.

“It does not change too much in terms of what we were looking for.

“We had the intensity we wanted in this game.”

Newcastle emerged with a draw after a 135-minute friendly game with the Belgian outfit on Sunday afternoon. United’s position in the Premier League table did not change too much despite Saturday’s action.

Benitez added: “Yeah, we watched the games and analysed the results.

“The positive thing now is t it depends on us.

“If we do our job we are in a good position. We need to win our games and it will easier.”

Newcastle also emerged from weekend with the best goal difference in the bottom half – something which could be like an extra point if they maintain it.

However, Benitez reflected: “It is important but the main thing is if we get more points than the others then we will not need to think about goal difference.

“That would be even better.”