The Magpies winger impressed in Scotland’s 5-1 win in Malta.
Scotland’s Matt Ritchie (right)
Scotland assistant manager Mark McGhee was full of praise for Newcastle United winger Matt Ritchie during an interview with Talksport on Monday.
Ritchie impressed in Sunday’s 5-1 World Cup qualifying victory against Malta, providing the assist for Chris Martin’s goal and the cross from which Steven Fletcher struck the bar, leading to Robert Snodgrass’ third.
Scotland’s Robert Snodgrass
Despite impressing in his debut Premier League campaign, after which he moved from Bournemouth to Newcastle for an eight-figure fee, Gosport-born Ritchie was making only his 11th cap for Scotland, for whom he qualifies through his father.
However, the 26-year-old has made quite an impression on Gordon Strachan’s right hand man.
“He’s been terrific,” McGhee, who also manages Motherwell, told the Jim White show. “What a pro.
Mark McGhee
“I’ve said it before, he’s one of these boys who is meticulous in the way he prepares. He’s one of these boys, you know – he’s got muscles in his eyebrows. Everything about him is athletic.
“He’s brilliant as a character as well – and loves coming and playing for Scotland.”
Despite being on the losing side in his first two Championship matches for Newcastle, Ritchie has been instrumental in the Magpies’ subsequent recovery – scoring once and providing as many assists in victories against Reading and Brighton & Hove Albion respectively.
Ritchie (right) with clubmate Jonjo Shelvey
Rafa Benitez’s side currently sit fourth in the standings ahead of Saturday’s tea-time trip to Derby County and can go second if they better the results of both Barnsley and Fulham.
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