Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe says he has no qualms about Allan Saint-Maximin's response to being benched against Brighton on Saturday. The winger played 26 minutes of the 2-1 win over Albion after missing a fortnight of action due to a trip to France for treatment.
Saint-Maximin could not mark the occasion with a goal but his return lifted fans and gave Newcastle the chance for him to reduce pressure when running with the ball. It now remains to be seen whether Saint-Maximin returns to the starting line-up on Thursday night at Southampton.
Howe said after the win at St James' Park: "His attitude was fine. We have built up a good relationship in a short period of time.
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"He understood he only had one training session and the team has performed well in his absence. He came on, did very well and made a difference for us."
Newcastle head to Southampton with renewed calls for Bruno Guimaraes to start the game for the first time since his January move from Lyon. The Brazil international came on in the second half and gave United a different dimension.
Howe reflected: "In every cameo, he has given so far, he has used the ball very well, that’s him. He has shown what he will bring.
"A couple of lovely passes to Max. They have built a nice little relationship already. My heart was in my mouth mind you when he performed that little pirouette on the touchline!
"But that is Bruno, he is an out and out footballer. He also won the ball back for us at a couple of key moments, so that is from a defensive perspective. He can certainly to a bit of everything."
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