Matt Ritchie’s return from injury will be like having a “new signing” for Steve Bruce and his Newcastle United side, according to Paul Robinson.
The £45,000-a-week Scottish international [Spotrac] has made just three Premier League appearances so far this term, but has been spotted back in training, as per the Chronicle.
And Robinson is excited by the prospect of his return.
Speaking to Football Insider, he said: “He’s been out a while, he’ll be like a new signing for Steve Bruce. He’s obviously not had him around much while he’s been there.
“Pictures of him coming out and back training again, it’s only good. As a fellow professional, you see players who have been out a long time, you know how frustrating it is yourself.
“It’s still a long journey to go when you get back to the grass, there’s still a lot of conditioning and strength and physical work to get you back but yeah, early signs seem very good.”
OPINION
Having Ritchie back in the side is always going to be a bonus for Steve Bruce’s side. Prior to getting injured this season, he was averaging 2.3 key passes, 1.7 successful crosses, two tackles, and 1.7 interceptions per game, as per Whoscored. He’s not a world beater, make no mistake, but he’s a talent, and one who is willing to graft for his side. If Newcastle are to avoid the drop this year then they will need players like him who are willing to leave everything out on the field, and there are a few in that Toon dressing room who could do with learning from his example. His versatility makes him a key asset too, and wherever he is deployed, you can guarantee that he will put in an honest shift for the good of the team.
