He may be struggling for a starting berth at Newcastle , but Aleksandar Mitrovic was on fire for his country in last night’s World Cup qualifiers.
The 22-year-old striker scored twice as Serbia secured a valuable 3-2 home win over Austria and moved above their opponents and Wales to the top of Group D.
Mitrovic opened the scoring early in the first half with a deft left-footed finish. Marcel Sabitzer equalised for the visitors but Mitrovic was at it again in the 23rd minute as he rose highest to Dusan Tadic’s cross, before thumping his header past Austrian stopper Ramazan Ozcan.
As expected Mitrovic’s performance in Belgrade has caused quite a stir on Tyneside with Newcastle fans waxing lyrical about their man.
‘Mitro’ has often polarised opinion among United fans but there are a good number who have been calling for the former Anderlecht hit-man to start alongside Dwight Gayle up front for the Magpies.
His performance on Sunday would have no doubt caught the eye of Newcastle manager Rafa Benitez and it has left Newcastle fans mightily impressed on social media.
Austin Scott hopes his performance may earn him a starting berth ahead of the visit of Brentford on Saturday. He said: “Hopefully this will help earn Mitro some game time. Funny what he can do given a full game, and even as a sub does more than credited #NUFC.”
Talk of the Toon added: “These goals will do Mitro’s confidence the world of good,” while Paul Hepple added: “Two goals so far for Mitro, he is officially on fire again.”
Rob Moyer joked: “First half brace for Mitro...wish he’d save those goals for Newcastle!” Kev Ramshaw labelled him “an animal” after his two-goal salvo.