Bruce: Sometimes you just need time
PRAISE AS JOELINTON SCORES
STEVE Bruce said the time has come to stop talking about Joelinton’s £40million price tag and let the striker get on with his football.
The forward scored one and made one in the 2-0 win at Crystal Palace as United climbed into the top 10.
Bruce hit back at critics with another away win but was keen to talk about Joelinton’s performance after the game.
He said: “It doesn’t matter about price tag and where you come from, sometimes you need time.
“In Joe’s case, the price tag and number nine shirt meant he struggled at times.
“But the kid wants to do well. “He has a lot of opportunities tonight but we are starting to see him now with his strength.
“There is no disputing that Joelinton has found it difficult but I’ve said many times that some take a little more time than others. But we’re delighted he’s scored a goal. “I’m delighted with the attitude. “It’s been a difficult week but we’ve responded in the right way.”
Joelinton and Callum Wilson sealed the three points for Newcastle and Bruce admitted he was concerned about missed chances in the first half.
He said: “We created a few opportunities and missed the right pass and that little bit of quality.
“That bit of quality the two strikers did show they have both scored from. Winning late on is not a bad trait to have.
“The players have responded at the end of a tough week.”
Callum Wilson spoke of his delight after netting the first goal in last night’s win.
The £20million man scored and assisted to aid the Magpies at Selhurst Park to stop the rot for Steve Bruce’s side.
Wilson took his tally to seven for the season with an ice cool finish at the death.
After the game he said: “It was little bit of a frustrating game but you need to be patient in these games and be ready for the opportunity to take it, whether first or 80-something minute. We played well tonight and limited them to a few chances. We didn’t create much ourselves but got the goals when it mattered.
“You work hard on fitness, look after your body, be as professional as you can.
“It puts you in good stead for the latter stages in the game.
“I feel when a chance arises in front of goal I am confident to put it away.
“It was a scruffy finish but they all count and another one to the tally.
“It was nice too for Joe to get on the score sheet.
“Karl Darlow has been fantastic this season, faced a lot of shots, saved a lot, kept us in games. Fedy did a great block, it was gamechanging.”