Steve Howey reckons striker Dwight Gayle has a massive opportunity to impress at Newcastle this season.

Gayle has been with Newcastle for five years since joining from Crystal Palace in 2016, but has scored just 34 goals in all competitions, with 23 of those coming in their Championship title-winning campaign in his debut season.

With Callum Wilson signing last summer, the 31-year-old was restricted to just four Premier League starts, with his only goal coming in his first league outing of the season against West Brom.

But with Andy Carroll now gone and Joelinton still struggling to justify the £40m price tag that Newcastle paid for him two years ago, Gayle could be given the chance to step up and fight for a regular starting place.

Gayle, who recently signed a three-year deal, was given plenty of game-time in pre-season and will be hoping his brace in Newcastle's final friendly will have given Steve Bruce food for thought, despite missing out on the opening day defeat to West Ham.

Howey exclusively told Football FanCast:

"It's a massive opportunity for Gayle. In the Championship he scores goals, and he did struggle last season, but there were the injuries and a lack of opportunities.

"When he did get the chance last season, he got the odd goal."