All of Newcastle desperate for Almiron to break his duck, and boss Bruce says: He’s been fantastic
vSt James’ Park, 3pm
MIGUEL ALMIRON has been told not to let his 11-month Newcastle goal drought become a mental torment.
United boss Steve Bruce reckons “the whole of Newcastle” wants the Paraguay winger to open his account due to his positive attitude and ceaseless workrate. Almiron, bought for £20million from MLS champions Atlanta last January, has yet to score in 25 starts.
But the South American, back in the starting line-up against Crystal Palace today after a hamstring injury, has been a key team player despite that lack of goals and Bruce is convinced the Newcastle fans are aware of his importance. The Toon manager said: “You can just feel it in the ground. Everyone wants him to get a goal. He has been a delight to manage - hard-working, always smiling, great pro, good man, and a great team player. When you have someone like that, you want them to do well and you hope the goal will come soon.
“Until it does, you’ll be asking these questions but certainly I have no problems with him. He can finish. I know it is a different league but at Atlanta he scored regularly (left), and in last his two internationals he found the net.
“It’s probably a bit in the head. So I have just said to him to keep well and be bright. He trains unbelievably every day. I have never seen stats like he had a couple of weeks ago, his physical attributes are incredible, intensity, sprint distances...against West Ham they were as impressive as I have ever seen.”
Bruce (right) will welcome Palace boss Roy Hodgson to St James’ Park saying he won’t emulate the Premier League veteran by managing into his 70s.
Instead Bruce, 59 next week, wants “four or five” more years doing a good job at Newcastle.
He said: “I have huge respect for Roy for what he