In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, former Newcastle United midfielder Rob Lee has backed Dwight Gayle and Andy Carroll to step up and perform in the absence of Callum Wilson, Miguel Almiron and Allan Saint-Maximin.
Newcastle’s three latest casualties have either scored or set up 25 of the Magpies’ 28 goals in the Premier League this season, quite a feat for the rest of the squad to follow up on.
Lee has confidence in Carroll and Gayle to get the job done if they are provided with the correct service from the likes of Ryan Fraser and Jacob Murphy from out wide.
Should Gayle and Carroll both start?
Yes, they’re our last hope!
No, we have better options!
The Magpies’ three available strikers have three goals and two assists between them with Joelinton registering both assists.
It seemed an impossible task to replace Wilson, however, for Bruce to somehow replace his three best-attacking players this season will be a tough task until April at the earliest.
Rob Lee spoke exclusively to Football FanCast about Bruce’s options for the rest of the season and he believes the only solution is to play both Gayle and Carroll together.
He explained: “Joelinton, I just don’t think he’s gonna score the goals.
“If it was me, I would play Gayle and Carroll and I’d say right let’s get Fraser on one wing and let’s get someone on the other wing and let’s get some crosses in.
“Times are desperate. Let’s give Andy Carroll a go and get some balls in the box. On his day he’s unplayable but he needs service.
“I just think it’s the only option we have.”
It is a grim thought for Newcastle fans to be without Wilson, Almiron and Saint-Maximin for a number of months.
Bruce has to find a way to win without his star players, which may be difficult considering they were struggling before the triple injury blow.