MIG SHOT DOWN
Toon boss Bruce ready to axe misfiring Almiron
MIGUEL ALMIRON is facing the axe for the first time since joining Newcastle.
He has struggled badly this season after a bright start at St James’ Park following his £21m move from MLS outfit Atlanta in January.
He has yet to score a goal in English football and was hooked during the goalless draw against Brighton after missing a glorious chance to open his account.
Under-fire boss Steve Bruce has pledged to go back to basics in a bid to pull the Magpies away from the relegation zone.
And he will make changes for Sunday’s daunting trip to in-form Leicester.
Jonjo Shelvey’s place is also under threat after a wretched showing on Saturday, with Ki Sung-yueng or Sean Longstaff, if he recovers from the ankle injury, set to replace him.
And Bruce is also toying with the idea of taking Almiron out of the firing line.
The Toon chief still sees the Paraguayan’s blistering pace as one of his side’s most potent weapons, especially with a game plan which relies heavily on counter-attacking.
But Almiron has looked short of confidence in recent weeks and the fact he has yet to make an assist, let alone find the net, makes him vulnerable. Allan Saint-Maximin would be the obvious replacement after a bright cameo against Brighton, though his hamstring continues to be assessed after reporting tightness afterwards.
Bruce may decide to stiffen his midfield, with one option being to play the versatile Fabian Schar in an anchor role with Federico Fernandez drafted into the backline.