Writing in his column for the Chronicle, former Sunderland midfielder Don Hutchison has stated his belief that Dwight Gayle should not earn a start ahead of Aleksandar Mitrovic in the Newcastle starting lineup.
Gayle has been in sensational form since his arrival to Newcastle United this summer, scoring 11 goals in 12 Championship appearances but strangely, the 25-year-old’s place in the starting lineup for the upcoming clash against Cardiff City is in doubt.
Gayle missed the clash against Preston during the weekend due to a muscle strain and in his absence; Aleksandar Mitrovic managed to continue his fine run of form in front of goal by scoring a brace on the day.
Mitrovic has now managed four goals in his last two matches and given his wonderful form, it would most certainly be harsh for the Serbian international to be dropped in favour of the fit again Gayle for the upcoming game week.
Former Sunderland man Don Hutchison has now gone on to have his say regarding the situation and he believes that Gayle is the one who now needs to be patient for a place in the starting lineup due to Mitrovic’s recent exploits.
Hutchison wrote in his column for the Chronicle, “I was really pleased to see Aleksandar Mitrovic score four times for Newcastle United last week, all against Preston North End. I like Mitrovic as a player. He’s very honest.
“He puts a shift in, and makes unselfish runs for other players. Now he’s got a few goals under his belt, he needs a run in the side. That’s how football works.
“But now Mitrovic has found a bit of form, it’s important he stays in the side. He could probably go on a run of scoring seven or eight goals. If he lost his place as soon as Dwight Gayle was fit again, he would be entitled to ask, ‘What more can I do?’
“Gayle has had a tremendous start to the season with 11 goals in 12 Championship games, but now he’s the one who’s got to force his way into the side. I don’t imagine it will be too long before that happens, but he’s got to be patient until it does.
“It’s good for the players in the team to have that competition for places, and it will breed confidence amongst those who are not to see Mitrovic get his chance.”