Bruce urges £40m striker: Work more inside the box

NEWCASTLE United head coach Steve Bruce has revealed the tactical tweak behind Joelinton’s recent goalscoring form – and insists there is ‘more to come’ from the number nine.

The club’s record signing has scored twice in as many games as the club continue to prepare for the resumption of the Premier League season.

Joelinton netted at St James’ Park in an intra-squad friendly before notching the winner in a 3-2 win over Middlesbrough at the club’s Benton base on Tuesday.

The former Hoffenheim forward has struggled in his first season in England, finding the net just three times and only once in the Premier League so far.

Questions have been raised over Joelinton’s ability to lead the line as a lone striker, Bruce previously admitting the Brazilian appeared more comfortable in a wide role. However, the Toon boss admits his coaching staff have been working with the 23-year-old on his positioning to improve his goal threat.

Despite a testing debut campaign so far, Bruce (inset) remains confident Joelinton will come good in a black-and-white shirt.

He said: “The one thing Joe has is the ability to roll up his sleeves and have a go and nobody can fault him in that respect.

“Now he has to add what centreforwards do and that is score a goal.

“We have been urging him to work more inside the box and thankfully against Boro he was in the right position at the right time, which is vitally important. I am sure there is more to come from him.”