Mig is off to flyer at Toon

THE TOON Army have craved a real hero ever since Alan Shearer retired back in 2006.

Finally, 13 years on, the black-and-white legions are daring to think Paraguayan playmaker Miguel Almiron may be the answer to their prayers.

The £21million record buy has become an instant hit on Tyneside.

And it’s easy to see why. Whenever the attacking midfielder is in possession, a buzz of excitement rises from the fans.

They expect something to happen – and it usually does.

As a veteran Newcastle watcher, it revives memories of the electricity that swept around St James’ Park when stars of yesteryear such as Shearer (inset, top), Malcolm Macdonald (second inset), Tino Asprilla (third inset), and Peter Beardsley (bottom) were on the ball.

Almiron exudes a dynamism and a speed of thought that hasn’t been seen at Newcastle in years.

Running with the ball at his feet, his speed is breathtaking. Not quite Kylian Mbappe pace, but still very quick.

I felt he’d take time to adapt to the step up in class from the MLS to the Premier League. But he looks comfortable with the transition.

The physicality of the Prem may be a bigger issue as we saw when Huddersfield’s Tommy Smith was sent off for a wild lunge on the South American’s home debut.

But, despite his frail build, Almiron is unafraid to get stuck in.

His central link-up with local discovery Sean Longstaff has provided the perfect platform for a muchimproved Toon midfield.

His Tyneside admirers already believe he’s a lucky mascot after news of his move broke ahead of Newcastle’s shock win over Manchester City.

That was part of the winning four-game home League run that lifted the Magpies clear of the bottom three.

Newcastle, incredibly, lost their first five home games and were bottom in November.

But their improved home form, plus Almiron’s influence, will secure top-flight survival for another season.

Almiron’s impact has vindicated boss Rafa Benitez’s judgment in making him his top target and, hopefully, strengthened his hand in future contract talks with owner Mike Ashley.