Rafa Benitez has admitted that the international break worked against Aleksandar Mitrovic.
While Mitrovic was scoring for Sebia against Wales his strike rival Dwight Gayle had no such distractions.
Yesterday at Elland Road the former Anderlecht striker was a 79th minute substitute for the two goal hero with Benitez in the comfortable position of being able to alter between £25m of striking talent.
Despite scoring three times in three starting appearances, plus six as a substitute, Mitrovic has had to bide his time with Gayle firmly established as Rafa’s first choice striker.
“I have a lot of confidence in both so it’s not a problem or big call,” the Newcastle boss admitted.
“You have to analyse and decide how they are in training sessions. Dwight was training with us and not out with the national team like Mitro so it’s always an advantage (for some players) when you have an international break.
“Mitrovic was doing well, I watched him score a great goal against Wales, so it’s difficult. Both of them are pushing and doing well.
“They are training like they have to train. They are competing for their positions like everyone. It’s credit to them and at the same time, credit to the club because we signed good players for this competition and league.”
After yesterday’s double Gayle is down to 4/7 to finish the season as leading goalscorer with Scott Hogan of Brentford with 10 goals second in the betting at 5/1.
Newcastle are getting towards unbackable with Benitez’s side 1/33 to win promotion and 1/6 to lift the title at the end of the season.
