Southampton manager Mauricio Pellegrino hopes striker Manolo Gabbiadini can regain confidence and form after the striker’s double rescued a draw for his team.
Making his first start in over a month, Gabbiadini scored twice at St Mary’s Stadium – the second a penalty with 15 minutes left after Florian Lejeune brought down Shane Long – to cancel out goals from Newcastle’s Isaac Hayden and Ayoze Perez.
Southampton have struggled in attack of late, and a return to form for Gabbiadini would be particularly timely for Pellegrino.
Gabbiadini hit six goals in his first four games for the club last season.
“Manolo is an important player for us,” Pellegrino said.
“It’s positive for his confidence.
“But the most important thing is he was working really hard, not just for himself but for the team.”