I knew I could help Magpies win, says Allan
ALLAN Saint-Maximin says he joked to Joe Willock that he would score the winner against Burnley.
The French winger made only his second appearance since suffering a groin injury which kept him out of action for 35 days, but his emergence sealed the game at Turf Moor.
Saint-Maximin made one and scored one in a nine-minute spell after appearing from the bench.
He said: “I did not enjoy watching from the bench because we were losing 1-0 but when I came on I knew I could help my team. It is what I try to do.
“I made a joke with Joe Willock, I told him I would score!”
Saint-Maximin underlined the fact he was dialled into the importance of the Sunday lunchtime fixture in Lancashire.
Indeed, the 2-1 victory means there is now a six-point gap between the Magpies and Fulham, who lost 1-0 to Wolverhampton Wanderers on Friday night at Craven Cottage.
The winger added: “This was the most important game for Newcastle this season.
“We had an opportunity because Fulham conceded a goal in the last minute against Wolves.
“Burnley are a difficult team to play against.”
Saint-Maximin’s presence was hailed after the game by boss Steve Bruce, who pointed out it was only his 18th appearance of an injury and illness-ravaged season.
Now with seven matches remaining and the French winger building back up to a place in Bruce’s starting line-up, SaintMaximin reflected: “In my head, I have one thought. It is to help the team win.
“We know Fulham have played one game more than us.
“This victory gives us real belief because after this game we have to play West Ham, Arsenal, Leicester, Liverpool.
“This will give us a lot of confidence for those games.”