INJURY doubt Allan Saint-Maximin WILL play tonight against West Brom in the FA Cup – with Newcastle boss Steve Bruce furious at reports of a bust-up between the pair.
Last night, the Daily Mail stated that Saint-Maximin’s Magpies future is in doubt, with both Wolves and Crystal Palace sniffing around.
It was claimed that, despite Bruce saying the winger did not start on Saturday against Burnley because of a hamstring problem, he was in fact fit but dropped for his poor performances in training.
But SunSport understands the French flyer – who scored the winner in the previous round against Oxford – had been the one to inform staff last Thursday that he was struggling with an injury.
Fans were angry one of their favourites was named on the bench against the Clarets, coming on for the final 12 minutes after the St. James’ Park faithful chanted for his introduction.
Having said it was an ‘easy’ decision to leave him out, the Toon boss yesterday revealed that Saint-Maximin was a doubt for the trip to The Hawthorns with back and hamstring concerns.
Up until yesterday afternoon the 22-year-old was unlikely to feature having not trained on Sunday.
But it is understood that Saint-Maximin, who only joined last summer for £20million from Nice, reported to the training ground in the afternoon and declared himself fit.
He travelled with the rest of the squad and is set to play a part as Newcastle look to reach their first quarter-final since 2006.
Fleet of foot with the blond locks and Gucci headband to match, Saint-Maximin signed a six-year deal at St. James’ Park and neither Bruce nor Toon chiefs are open to selling him.
