Bruce denies falling out with fan-favourite Saint-maximin

Newcastle manager says winger is crowd-pleaser Hasenhuttl perplexed by Southampton home woe

“Jinky” Jimmy Smith made 129 appearances for Newcastle and became a favourite of supporters in his six years on Tyneside between 1969 and 1975. Not a reference for the kids, perhaps, but that is the player Steve Bruce immediately recalls when he makes comparisons to the emerging St James’ Park favourite, Allan Saint-maximin.

The French winger scored his third goal of the season at Southampton on Saturday to secure a 1-0 victory that ought to confirm Newcastle’s status in the Premier League once more next season.

“I said it when he walked through the door, that he is going to be an absolute crowd-pleaser,” Bruce, the Newcastle manager, said. “He’s got that natural ability, which goes past people and he wants to beat you and he can beat anybody on his day, because he’s that quick, with that centre of balance and that natural ability to go both ways.

“He’s got a lot to learn still, he’s got to learn to pass it a little more in the final third but he’s only 22. If you haven’t seen him, then I suggest you buy a ticket to come and watch him because he’s something a bit different.”

Bruce enjoyed a hearty embrace with Saint-maximin at the final whistle and robustly rejected reports that had previously suggested there was friction between manager and player.

“There’s been a lot of nonsense written – I have to stress that again – it was total nonsense what was written in a bid, for me, to derail us before a big Cup tie. To have one of our players supposed to be ‘unhappy and I’ve had a fallout with him,’ it’s not true.

“I’m delighted with Allan this week, in particular, he has got two assists against West Brom and the winner here. It vindicates why I left him out last week [against Burnley] because I didn’t think he was 100 per cent.”

Saint-maximin, for his part, is happy with his role and contribution to the club and exuded positivity following his goal, scored after seizing on an error by Southampton’s French defender Yan Valery 11 minutes from time.

“I feel good, my body feels good. I have been running a lot and trying to help my team,” he said. “It is normal that when you don’t play you are not happy. That’s why I keep learning and training. I played in the Cup game, made an assist, and today I give a win to my team. I’m happy.

Ralph Hasenhuttl was far less happy following a fourth defeat in five games, though he did praise the attitude of his Southampton