Newcastle: Eddie Howe signing 'already has hero status' at St. James' Park

Bruno Guimaraes has already gained “hero status” at Newcastle, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

The Toon Army’s record signing scored his first St James’ Park goals to help Eddie Howe’s men all-but secure their Premier League status against Leicester on Sunday.

With the likes of Leeds and Everton not in action, the visit of Leicester was the perfect chance for Newcastle to give themselves some breathing space at the bottom of the standings.

Ademola Lookman’s 19th minute strike broke the deadlock, but from then on in it was all about the Magpies’ record transfer.

Guimaraes has been made to wait for his chances since his January arrival from Lyon, playing just 41 minutes across his first five games.

But since coming into the side for the victory at Southampton before the international break, the midfielder has established himself as a regular in Howe’s starting line-up.

And the Brazilian enjoyed his best game against the Foxes, producing two close-range finishes to complete a 2-1 victory.

Guimaraes’ first goal came after a Kasper Schmeichel mistake, but his last-gasp winner was all about his desire and determination to get into the box and get on the end of Joe Willock’s cross.

As a result, only Allan Saint-Maximin (5) and Callum Wilson (6) have scored more top-flight goals than the midfielder man this season despite signing less than three months ago.

And Jones reckons that Guimaraes has already become an instant hit with the St James’ Park faithful in his short time at the club.

He told GIVEMESPORT: “He’s already got hero status at Newcastle and it’s really a taste for them of what’s to come.

“The scenes when he scored the second goal was like they’d won the league. They’re just getting excited, and so they