Dwight Gayle has a 'massive opportunity' to step up for Newcastle United this season.
That's the view of former Magpies defender Steve Howey, who believes the former number nine could have a bigger role in the latest campaign.
Gayle has struggled for game-time under Steve Bruce so far, and the 30-year-old was limited to just four Premier League starts last season.
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However, the United head coach has repeatedly stressed his praise for the former Crystal Palace striker who recently agreed a new deal at St James' Park.
Gayle suffered unfortunate injuries at the start of both the 2019/20 and 2020/21 campaigns, and was an unused substitute in the opening-day home defeat to West Ham on Sunday.
Bruce opted to start Callum Wilson and Allan Saint-Maximin in attack, with club-record signing Joelinton called from the bench.
But with the departures of Andy Carroll and Yoshinori Muto this summer, Howey is confident Gayle will be given plenty of chances to add to his 34 career goals in black-and-white so far.
He told Football Fancast : “It’s a massive opportunity for Gayle. In the Championship he scores goals, and he did struggle last season, but there were the injuries and a lack of opportunities.
“When he did get the chance last season, he got the odd goal.”
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