Newcastle United manager Steve Bruce has expressed his gratitude to Ghanaian winger Christain Atsu for helping his side cope with the injury to Matt Ritchie who has been ruled out for two months.
The 58-year-old believes that Atsu's return from a summer hamstring injury has handed him a timely boost ahead of their upcoming fixtures.
The Ghanaian suffered a hamstring injury at the 2019 African Cup of Nations in July, but after a rest period during Newcastle's pre-season campaign, Atsu came back feeling refreshed and has worked his way back into contention.
He made a return to action away to Tottenham Hotspur in the 1-0 win and also featured against Leicester.
"I've only really seen Christian since the back end of last week because of the stuff with the African Nations and being injured, but as soon as he's come in, he's handled the ball well," Steve Bruce said.
"Whether it's given him a new lease of life, I'm not sure, but I been very, very pleased with him.
"He's done very, very well. He ran himself to a standstill (against Watford) I have to tell you."
Newcastle United will travel to Anfield to take on League leaders Liverpool on Saturday in their next fixture.