Former England international makes 'fickle' accusation during defence of under-fire Newcastle United star

Newcastle United star Dan Burn has been defended after the Magpies left-back was once again criticised for his recent form following Saturday’s win at Nottingham Forest.

The former Fulham and Brighton defender was given a torrid afternoon by Luton Town forward Chiedozie Ogbene last weekend as Eddie Howe’s side battled their way to a 4-4 draw at St. James' Park. Burn was replaced by Tino Livramento midway through the second-half and some expected the former Southampton youngster to step into the starting lineup for Saturday’s visit to the City Ground.

Howe retained faith with Burn but the experienced defender faced further criticism as he struggled to cope with the pace and movement of Forest winger Anthony Elanga, who got the hosts back on level-terms with 26 minutes on the clock after Bruno Guimaraes had put United in front.

Unlike seven days earlier, Burn remained on the pitch for the entire 90 minutes and showed his versatility by stepping inside into a back three after Livramento came on for Lewis Miley to help Newcastle see off some late pressure to claim a 3-2 win and move back into contention for a European place.

Burn, who was a key part of the Magpies side that claimed a Champions League place and reached the Carabao Cup Final last season, was the subject of a passionate defence from former Blackburn Rovers and England full-back Stephen Warnock as he insisted the Blyth-born star deserves ‘a bit of credit’ for his achievements at St James Park over the last two years.

He told Sky Sports: “I feel sorry for Dan because I really like Dan. Players have dips in form. Everyone is writing him off and it’s like ‘oh your career is done at Newcastle’. Absolutely not, you think he’s going to give that up without a fight? No chance. Give him the opportunity to at least put it right and don’t write him off after four or five games, which is seems like a lot of people are doing.

“Some people are so fickle in the football world and jump on people and say ‘oh, you’re not good enough’. Well, he was good enough to get them into the Champions League places last season and Eddie Howe picks him for a reason. He is seeing something in him that he really likes. Yes, he’s having a tough time, but give him a bit of credit for what he’s done to get himself up to that level previously and we know he can hit that level.”