Magpies will strike lucky with Japanese star Muto, insists boss

RAFA Benitez has heaped praise on Yoshinori Muto ahead of the crunch clash with Brighton this weekend.

Muto grabbed his first Toon goal in the 3-2 defeat against Manchester United two weeks ago but Benitez, who sanctioned his £9.5million arrival from Mainz in the summer, insists the best is yet to come from the Japan international.

United have been keeping a close eye on an ankle injury Muto picked up at Old Trafford - but he is in contention to lead the line against the Seagulls.

Speaking about Muto before the clash at St James’ Park, Benitez told the Chronicle: “Muto is an overseas player.

“We expected him to make a difference and yeah he will. “He has to improve his English but the understanding with the team-mates is there. “His work-rate is magnificent.

“Every training session he is closer to starting games. “Hopefully he can give us what we need which is a bit of pace and to be more dynamic in attack.” Muto admitted after the Man United game he could have snatched the win for the Magpies but is eyeing better days in a Newcastle shirt.

He said: “I should have scored another goal with a chance like that.

“That was the worst possible result for us but we have to stay focused on the future.

“I would like to build my future from the goal at Man United.”