Newcastle United: Fans react as Steve Bruce confirms Allan Saint-Maximin and Andy Carroll are fit

Loads of Newcastle United supporters have been reacting on social media, after Steve Bruce confirmed that Allan Saint-Maximin and Andy Carroll are fit to face Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday during his pre-game press conference, via Sky Sports’ Keith Downie.

Carroll is yet to make his second Magpies debut following his return to the North East outfit on deadline day as a free agent after being released by West Ham United, as the Toon product has been recovering from ankle surgery.

Providing he comes through training on Friday morning unscathed, the Gateshead-born forward will be in line for a role in Bruce’s plans at the weekend, but it remains to be seen to what capacity he features.

The 30-year-old has not taken to the field since February 27 (TransferMarkt), in what was only his third start of the 2018/19 Premier League season.

As for Saint-Maximin, the French winger is also due to be named in Bruce’s 18-man matchday squad when Graham Potter’s Seagulls travel to St. James’ Park on Saturday evening.

There were concerns on Tyneside that Saint-Maximin faced a further month on the sidelines after aggravating the hamstring injury he sustained earlier in the season (Chronicle), but may now be awarded his third Newcastle appearance (TransferMarkt).

The 22-year-old has so far played just 40 minutes in Black and White since his £16.5m (BBC) move from OGC Nice in the summer.

Here’s how these Newcastle fans reacted to word that Carroll and Saint-Maximin are in line for a role in Bruce’s plans against Brighton on Saturday…

Well they must de 100% which is good news ! Surely he wouldn’t risk them !

— Tony Cornfoot (@Tonyc1234) September 20, 2019

I just hope he’s not rushing them back in early, it seems to be an issue with managing fitness this season and we don’t want them out for many more months just for the sake of coming back a game or two early.

— Joni #NUFC (@KingOfTNorth) September 20, 2019

Bench cover I hope! We need @asaintmaximin playing consistently! He’s mint!!!! @nufc

— Gareth (@_TheRealBigG) September 20, 2019

Saint-maximin crosses….. CARROLLLLL

— Niall Burton (@NiallBurton) September 20, 2019

Excellent!! Both game changers, it’ll help Joelinton and Almiron.
No matter how frustrating, you need an ASM to make things happen even if it’s just the crowd on their feet

— Dean (@Bix1985) September 20, 2019

Great Bruce can revert to his favoured hoof ball up to the big man…..oh joy

— Zaines (@stevowalton55) September 20, 2019

Now I’m not getting my hopes up but lets hope they are used as impact players in their first game back and more importantly are fully fit

— Simon (@LittleHenryD) September 20, 2019

Just sit Carroll in the box and tell Shelvey to aim for his head. Bosh.

— Dave Robson-Beck (@greatbigdave) September 20, 2019

Saint-Maximim is in the squad? I thought he was a few weeks off. I hope we’re not bringing him back early again

— Matt Brown (@MattJB8818) September 20, 2019

Can’t wait to see Andy Carroll come on for 8 minutes

While we fail to win yet another home match under Steve Bruce.

— Rafa Facts (@FactsRafa) September 20, 2019