Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, former Premier League goalkeeper Chris Kirkland has delivered his verdict on Newcastle's signing of Callum Wilson.

With six goals in his first eight games across all competitions, it's been an impressive start to life on Tyneside for Wilson. The England international arrived from relegated Bournemouth back in the summer transfer window for around £20m, and he is already proving his worth for the Magpies.

Now, Kirkland has thrown his backing behind Newcastle's summer signing, and insisted that he has improved massively in recent times. Speaking to FFC's James Beavis, he said: "They needed somebody up top, didn't they? Wilson, he's surprised me, because I saw him a few times for Bournemouth but he looks like a different animal now. Now he's there, he looks like a different player. Superb.

"For £20m as well, that's nothing these days, for a number nine, for a striker, who's going to score you 10-15 goals. An absolute bargain."

If Wilson keeps his current form up, then he's well on course to break the 20-goal barrier for Newcastle in the Premier League, and it's been a long time since that's happened.

Having a proven goal-scorer at the top of the pitch who you can rely on week-in and week-out to find the back of the net and stick chances away is always going to be the difference-maker at the highest level. The Magpies had to watch Joelinton toil away at the top part of the pitch last season, and it was no surprise that they looked toothless in attack, scoring just 38 goals in the entire league season.

Wilson however, is showing that he can absolutely be that man for Newcastle, and Steve Bruce will be hoping he delivers on that.