Newcastle United striker Yoshinori Muto made just five starts during his first season at St. James’ Park.
Muto scored for Newcastle on their tour of Asia, and has been one of the brighter sparks in the build up to the campaign.
The Japanese striker endured a difficult time during his first season at St. James’ Park after joining for £10 million (Daily Mail), with Rafael Benitez rarely picking him.
Muto made just five Premier League starts for Newcastle last term.
But Bruce has suggested that Muto will be a part of his strike force, alongside Dwight Gayle, whose future was also up in the air.
“With Muto, who I’ve been very, very impressed with and Almiron, and Dwight Gayle, we have got a nice balance up there,” Bruce said about his attacking options.
“Let’s hope they can score the goals that every club in the Premier League needs to do.”
Muto is only likely to play a covering role for the upcoming campaign, but his first-team chances have been done no harm by his showings over pre-season.
Newcastle appear to have plans to play two up-front this campaign, with Joelinton and Miguel Almiron seemingly their first choice strike duo at the moment.
Newcastle begin their campaign with a match against Arsenal at the weekend.
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