Paul Merson says Kieran Trippier has been a ‘fantastic addition’ for Newcastle

Ahead of Newcastle United’s trip to face West Ham United, Paul Merson has hailed Kieran Trippier in his column for Sportskeeda, calling the 31-year-old ‘massively important’ at St James’ Park and a ‘fantastic addition’ to the ranks.

Trippier joined the Magpies on a two-and-a-half-year deal from Atletico Madrid in January and has gone on to make five appearances in all competitions, scoring two goals.

The England international has made an instant impact in his short time at Newcastle but will be sidelined for the foreseeable future after fracturing a bone in his foot.

Merson says Trippier’s absence will be a ‘massive loss’ because he’s been so impressive early into his Magpies’ career. He wrote: ‘Kieran Trippier is a massive loss for them. He’s been a fantastic addition to the squad as well as the dressing room and has scored two massively important goals for Newcastle since signing for the club in January.’

Newcastle are currently 17th in the Premier League with 21 points from 23 games, having won three and drawn two of their last five outings. West Ham are fifth in the table with 41 points, having won just one of their last four.

The formbook would suggest Newcastle should be favourites, but home advantage means West Ham will be expected to pick up all three points – Newcastle have won just once on the road all season.

In other news, Gabriel Agbonlahor says Allan Saint-Maximin will keep Newcastle in the Premier League