By Frank McAvennie

29th Sep, 2023 | 1:58pm

McAvennie has spotted one thing about how Newcastle players behave - 'Trippier is the catalyst'

Kieran Trippier has been the “catalyst” for Newcastle United since he arrived last year.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, former West Ham striker Frank McAvennie has been hugely impressed by the personnel Eddie Howe has brought into his side.

The 33-year-old joined the Magpies in January last year shortly after the completion of their takeover by the Saudi Public Investment Fund.

Since then, the England international has taken on the captaincy at St James Park and cemented himself as the number one right-back.

The defender offered up a hattrick of assists in Sunday’s (24 September) 8-0 win over Sheffield United and the Toon boss was full of praise for him.

As quoted by the Chronicle Live (26 September), Howe insisted Trippier has been a hugely important member of his side on the pitch with his “brilliant” set piece deliveries but also his leadership skills off the pitich.

McAvennie insisted Trippier was one of the game changing signings for this new look Newcastle side.

“I think he was the catalyst coming from Madrid,” he told Football Insider.

“I can always tell when I am watching Newcastle and the players are all together, they look like a close knit group.

“They are looking good and there is not really any superstars in that team at the moment.

“I think Howe has done very well in picking personnel because they all work so hard together and there are a couple of big players up front that are a handful.“

In other news, Newcastle United set sights on signing striker in January.