We can pinch a Euro League spot, says Joe
JOELINTON has sung the praises of Steve Bruce for backing him since his £40million move - as he revealed Newcastle’s intention to “pinch” a Europa League slot this season.
The Newcastle striker delivered one of his best performances for the Magpies in the defeat of Crystal Palace, setting up Callum Wilson before scoring his first Premier League goal of the season.
It was reward for the player’s efforts but also for Bruce, who has been outspoken in his support for the No 9 since he joined last season.
Joelinton feels he is now starting to settle at St James’ Park and in the Premier League.
He said: “I think that trust comes with the passage of time, with adaptation to a new competition.
“The first season was highly anticipated and I knew how to deal with that well.
“The trend is to evolve every year and that is why I work daily.”
Joelinton hailed Bruce as a “great person” for the way he has dealt with his teething troubles in England.
He added: “He has been talking to me since we arrived at the club and he is a great person.
“He gives me a lot of confidence, as well as everyone in the squad, and that makes us stronger.
“We have great strikers in the squad and the coach chooses to make this rotation in the attack.
“The group is very good and the most important thing is whoever is on the pitch should do the job to help the team to come out with the victories.”
Where can that take United? Joelinton hopes for top seven this season.
He said: “Our intention is to go as far as possible but we know the difficulties of the Premier League.
“I think we have to think game by game, with each victory, so we can walk a good path in the competition and, in the end, pinch a spot in some European competition. “