Steve Bruce responds to criticism of Joelinton, and reveals he's been given training ground mentor
Former Liverpool and West Ham man is helping striker Joelinton feel his way through his difficult spell
by Lee RyderSteve Bruce remains convinced that Joelinton will come good in the Newcastle United number 9 shirt.
The Toon head coach will continue to persevere with the Brazilian and has also assigned Andy Carroll to work closely with him at the training ground as he gets through a testing early spell in his Premier League career.
Joelinton managed to win a host of aerial challenges against Southampton but did not come close to ending his goal drought.
He last scored in August at Spurs, but Bruce said: "It’s that confidence one with him (Joelinton).
"He’s got to learn from big Andy, to help him.
"He’s new into the Premier League and is only young, and of course a lot of things get labelled at him with the big price tag.
"I’m still convinced he will be a big asset to us.
"He’s learning, and like everyone who comes to the Premier League, he’s finding it’s not easy.
"At the moment, for Jo, it’s not easy."