Micky Quinn has ripped into Jonjo Shelvey, Dwight Gayle, Joelinton and Andy Carroll on talkSPORT – declaring none of them as “Premier League class”.
The former Toon striker was clearly unhappy following our 2-0 defeat to Chelsea on Monday night, a game that saw us rarely threaten, defend poorly and allow the hosts to coast to victory in the end.
He believes that this loss places us firmly in the grip of a relegation fight, and cites the recent form of Fulham as a serious causes for concern.
Here is what he said to Laura Woods on the breakfast show:
Out of the four players listed, only Shelvey could have an argument to be placed in the “Premier League class” level. He has the ability, but he rarely delivers on a consistent basis and is seen as a luxury amongst many Toon fans.
Carroll and Joelinton, however, look way off the mark. Big Andy, in particular, would struggle to score goals in the second tier based on his alarming lack of mobility.
£40m record signing Joelinton has barely shown a glimpse of quality since his arrival and you get the feeling that if his fortunes don’t U-turn pretty rapidly, then he will be shown the door in the summer – likely for a pittance of the fee we paid.
As for Gayle, he can do it in the Championship but he’s anything but the answer at this level, with his anonymous display on Monday highlighting what a downgrade he is from the injured Callum Wilson.
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