'Outstanding': Jonathan Woodgate wowed by £20m Newcastle ace in win over Nottingham Forest

By Giuseppe Labellarte

Newcastle United got their Premier League campaign off to a winning start against Nottingham Forest on Saturday.

The Magpies dominated proceedings at St James’ Park, with six shots on target in the first half alone.

Newcastle finally managed to break the deadlock just before the hour, courtesy of a Fabian Schar screamer.

Scott McKenna’s clearance fell to the Magpies defender, who drove forward and thundered past Dean Henderson.

Then, Callum Wilson doubled Newcastle’s lead on 78 minutes, lifting the ball over the Forest goalkeeper after being set up by Joelinton.

BBC Sport pundit and former Magpies defender Jonathan Woodgate loved what he saw from the £20million striker.

“An outstanding finish by Callum Wilson,” he said on Radio 5 Live (6/8/22, 16:40).

“Outside of the right foot, steers it round Henderson. The overlap run by Joelinton and then the finish.

“He’s deserved that today.”

“I feel strong, I feel fit, I feel robust”

Wilson certainly deserved his opening-day goal following a difficult season last time out.

The 30-year-old missed 20 top-flight games last term due to a hamstring problem and then a calf injury.

Wilson addressed his fitness on the latest episode of The Footballer’s Football Podcast on BBC Sounds.

He said he’s feeling strong, fit and robust ahead of the new campaign, amid “a lot of talk” about his fitness.

Wilson also relished the prospect of new forwards coming in and having to fight for his first-team place.

“One thing I will put straight as well,” began Wilson.

“This season there has probably been more so than ever, a lot of talk about ‘will Callum be fit?’, another striker in for his injury.

“As a player and a pro you never want to be injured.

“It’s just something that unfortunately happens as part of the game, probably as being part of an explosive athlete.

“But this season I feel strong, I feel fit, I feel robust.

“It’s down to me now to prove those doubters wrong and that’s what I thrive off.

“If you’re bringing players in because you think that might happen, so be it, it’s all welcome.

“Any competition is healthy, so I agree with it all and the more the merrier!”