Newcastle United winger Allan Saint-Maximin could be set for a frustrating spell on the substitutes' bench, according to former BBC radio pundit Noel Whelan. 

The Lowdown: Saint-Maximin's season so far

After starting the Magpies' opening four games of the Premier League season, injuries have kept the 25-year-old out of action. Since August, he has only made two fleeting substitute appearances for the Tynesiders, having suffered a hamstring injury and a muscle issue over the autumn.

Having come on as a late substitute in Newcastle's recent 4-0 win over Aston Villa, it appears as though Whelan doesn't think the Frenchman will find himself back in Eddie Howe's starting XI any time soon.

The Latest: A spell on the bench

Speaking to Football Insider, Whelan was doubtful over the likelihood of Saint-Maximin going straight back in the starting XI upon regaining full fitness.

The 47-year-old said: "He’ll have to wait for his chance. Newcastle are flying at the minute, absolutely flying – so there’s absolutely no way anyone is breaking into that team at the minute.

"They’re fantastic on the eye, they’re at the top of their game and scoring goals for fun.

"Right now Newcastle are ahead of where they expect to be. That’s why I think they’ll go and spend money in January to try and get that European football."

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The Verdict: Patience needed

Bearing in mind how the £70k-per-week attacker has the second-highest rate of shots on target per 90 minutes in the league at Newcastle (1.25), this highlights the talent that he has and the trouble that he can cause for opposition goalkeepers.

In addition, the 25-year-old also has the highest rate of goal-creating actions per 90 minutes (1.25) in the squad, further showcasing how much of a goal threat he can provide.

Hailed by his former boss Steve Bruce as an "unbelievable" player, the Frenchman certainly has the ability to get himself back in the team. However, with the Toon having won five of their previous six league games, it's easy to see why Whelan thinks Howe won't want to change the line-up at the moment.

While Saint-Maximin may not be in the starting XI any time soon, there will surely be enough opportunities for him to impress his manager and get back in the team, as he definitely has the talent to do so.