Mick Quinn has theory about Newcastle loanee Salomon Rondon

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Salomon Rondon appears to have turned a corner after a difficult start to life at Newcastle United.

Mick Quinn has told the Chronicle that he is a fan of Newcastle loanee Salomon Rondon because of his work-rate, but feels that that is the exact reason why his goals tally rarely ends up as high as it should be.

Rondon endured a difficult start to life at St James’ Park. He went into the Magpies’ clash with Bournemouth before the international break still awaiting his first Premier League goal for Rafa Benitez’s side.

However, he responded to any critics in superb fashion with a brace in the 2-1 win over the Cherries, with his second goal – a brilliant header – seeing the Venezuelan bag plenty of plaudits.

Quinn insisted that he is a big fan of the summer signing before offering one slight criticism – which also emanates from a major strength – and suggesting what his goals target should be for this campaign.

“The thing I like about Rondon is his work ethic. He covers far more ground than I ever did, and he does so much unselfish work for this team,” he told the Chronicle.

“But I also think that’s one of the reasons he doesn’t score the volume of goals he should. He’s not in the box often enough; sometimes when he is out chasing the ball, he should be in the penalty area getting ready to get on the end of crosses.

“For Newcastle I can see him getting between 10 and 15 goals this season if United keep him fit, and if his team-mates provide him with good service,” he went on to add.

If Rondon’s display against Bournemouth is a sign of things to come, he could well end up reaching double figures for the campaign.

And if he manages to reach those numbers that Quinn spoke about, then it is difficult to imagine Newcastle being involved in the relegation scrap. Wolves are the only team in the bottom-half to boast a better defensive record so far, so if Benitez’s men have that striker who reaches double figures, then they should surely be fine this term.