Aleksandar Mitrovic’s passion and enthusiasm helps “gee-up” his Newcastle United team-mates - even when the striker isn’t playing, insists Karl Darlow.
The Serbia international has scored four goals in his last two games, including netting a brace at Deepdale on Saturday during the Magpies’ 2-1 Championship victory over Preston North End.
He is firmly establishing himself as a fans’ favourite due to the passion he displays out on the field, and it appears as if his antics are proving infectious for his team-mates as well.
Even though the 22-year-old has started just twice in the league this term, Darlow believes Mitrovic’s attitude is helping to inspire the United squad to reach new heights.
“He definitely does gee us all up,” Darlow said of match-winner Mitrovic after table-toppers Newcastle moved six points clear of the play-off positions with victory in Lancashire.
“He’s come into the team against Preston in the cup and scored two there, then another two against the same team at Deepdale to win us the game.
“Obviously we’ve missed [Dwight] Gayle, who’s been in terrific form as well, but it’s nice to have two strikers scoring goals.
“Then, at the back, we’re complementing them really well by keeping clean sheets and putting in solid performances.
“We knew Preston were going to throw everything at us after Tuesday when we beat them 6-0 at home.
“We knew it was going to be a different game heading to Deepdale because teams at the top of the league have been beaten there already.
“It was obvious we were going to have to concentrate throughout and then we got a little bit of luck at the end which saw us get over that finish line.”