Ally McCoist shares what he told Eddie Howe off-air about Miguel Almiron

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Ally McCoist has shared what he said to Eddie Howe about Miguel Almiron before Newcastle United’s clash with Manchester City on Saturday.

Newcastle and Manchester City played out one of the games of the season at St James’ Park. And had it not been for Kevin De Bruyne, the Magpies may well have taken the three points.

Newcastle led at the break. And it was towards the end of a long period of stoppage-time in the first-half that Miguel Almiron produced a superb tackle on Mateo Kovacic as the Manchester City midfielder threatened to break into the final third.

Ally McCoist lauds Miguel Almiron during Newcastle clash

Ally McCoist was full of praise for the Paraguayan’s challenge. And when asked about the amount of work he does off the ball, McCoist told TNT Sports (broadcast on 13/1; 18:20) that he is a huge admirer of the 29-year-old.

“Wonderful touch. You know something, it’s funny you say that, I spoke to Eddie very, very briefly before the game. And it’s the first thing I said to him, and it’s never been evident than the last week at Sunderland. I thought without the ball, he was absolutely tremendous. He really was, and Eddie agreed,” he said.

Attacker has found another level under Eddie Howe

Almiron has certainly managed to silence his doubters after a difficult start on Tyneside following his £21 million move. He has been so important to the Magpies ever since Howe was appointed.

According to Whoscored, he managed four tackles and three key passes. No Newcastle player could match his tally of key passes in the agonising loss to the champions.

Bruno Guimaraes is amongst those to have lauded Almiron this season. And it really does feel that he is now getting the full credit that he deserves.

Newcastle meanwhile, can take a lot of belief from the fact that they were a Kevin De Bruyne masterclass away from a big victory – as hard as that may be to do right now.