Rafa Benitez signing in line for Newcastle United starting XI spot despite uncertain future

Miguel Almiron is set for a run in Newcastle United’s starting XI - should Ryan Fraser be ruled out for a period of time.

The Magpies are assessing Fraser’s hamstring injury which forced him out of the 1-0 win against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Friday night after just 13 minutes.

Almiron was introduced for the Scotland international and the 28-year-old impressed in front of his agent Daniel Campos at St James’ Park.

Discussing Almiron performance versus Bruno Lage’s Wolves, head coach Eddie Howe said: “I thought Miggy did really well.

“Miggy’s been away on international duty and then he was ill so we hadn’t seen a great deal of him.

“(I) never doubted him physically, despite the fact he hasn’t trained with us a great deal. The energy and pressing Miggy gives you is a real weapon so I thought he was tireless.

“His defensive positioning was very good and he had moments where he affected them in the final third with several good runs in behind.

“A really good night for Miggy I thought.

A consistent run in the side between now and the end of the season could well determine the Paraguayan’s future, who has been no stranger to exit talk throughout his three years on Tyneside - courtesy of his agent.

Most recently as January, Campos claimed Almiron was attracting interest from clubs in Italy and Spain having previously named Atletico Madrid as an admirer.

Almiron has started just five times under Howe following his appointment in November.