Newcastle fans can help Bruno Guimaraes put World Cup disappointment behind him, says Eddie Howe

NEWCASTLE: Newcastle United star man Bruno Guimaraes could use some love from Geordie fans as he returns to club duty following his disappointment with Brazil at the World Cup, according to head coach Eddie Howe.

The midfielder was rarely used in Qatar, much to the surprise of many onlookers, not least the Newcastle United faithful who have been blown away by his Premier League performances since he arrived at the club in January.

Amid some criticism of Brazil’s performance at the tournament from the Brazilian media and fans on social media, Howe thinks the time is just right time for Guimaraes to return to St James’ Park and begin to put the international disappointment behind him.

“I would say every player needs some Newcastle love, to feel the positive force of the crowd behind them,” said Howe ahead of the return to competitive action in the Carabao Cup against Bournemouth on Tuesday.

“Bruno is no different and if he can feel that positivity and love for him, I would encourage that. To have that positivity behind you, it makes a huge difference.

“Bruno is fine physically. He was obviously disappointed not to reach the latter stages (of the World Cup) with his country. I think there is an element of disappointment they couldn’t go further as I think their dream was to win.”

Howe added: “It’s important that whatever happened at the World Cup, they now put that behind them and use whatever positive things they can from the competition.”

United return to domestic competition as one of English football’s form sides. They have lost just once since the summer, a late and unfortunate 2-1 defeat by Liverpool at Anfield in late August. They claimed their place in the Carabao Cup fourth round thanks to a