Allan Saint-Maximin appears to have taken aim at his Newcastle United critics once again after admitting it is time to 'show quality on the pitch'. The French forward's performances have come under scrutiny in recent weeks following a spell on the sidelines with injury and illness.
Saint-Maximin has not started for the Magpies since the home victory against Aston Villa on February 13, and has struggled in recent cameo displays in the defeats to Chelsea and Everton. The 25-year-old was guilty of conceding possession by the halfway line in added time at Goodison Park for the move which led to Alex Iwobi scoring a 99th-minute winner.
However, the former Nice attacker is enjoying his most productive campaign in black-and-white to date, registering five goals and three assists in 28 appearances. Saint-Maximin felt compelled to take to social media last week to suggest 'people forget quickly', given his vital impact in previous efforts to avoid relegation.
United's number 10 travelled with the rest of Eddie Howe's squad for a warm-weather training camp in Dubai as the Magpies faced a 16-day break ahead of their upcoming clash at Tottenham. Posting after a promotional event for his Helios board game, Saint-Maximin appeared to take the latest opportunity to silence his critics.
He posted on Instagram: "Quality time with the Helios community. Now it’s time to be focused and show quality on the pitch. Let’s show them."
Newcastle return to action in the capital on Sunday with a nine-point cushion over the relegation zone, despite suffering two straight defeats prior to the international break.
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