Rafael Benitez has told the Chronicle that he has been impressed by Newcastle United striker Yoshinori Muto in training recently.
Muto has struggled at Newcastle since making a move to Tyneside in the summer.
The Japanese forward did score his first goal for the Magpies against Manchester United, just before the international break, though.
And Benitez has suggested that he has faith in Muto coming good.
"We expected him to make a difference and yeah he will,” Benitez said.
"He has to improve his English but the understanding with the team-mates is there.
"His work-rate is magnificent.
"Every training session he is closer to starting games.
"Hopefully he can give us what we need which is a bit of pace and to be more dynamic in attack.”
Muto may well be in line to start Newcastle’s match tomorrow, which comes against Brighton & Hove Albion.
The tireless forward’s partnership with Ayoze Perez showed signs of promise against United in his last display.
Newcastle go into their match against Brighton desperate for the three points.
Benitez’s side are still yet to win this season, and the pressure is mounting on them to start picking up victories sooner rather than later.