Newcastle United star Miguel Almiron has refuted claims that Jack Grealish's comments during Manchester City's title celebrations spurred his great Premier League form.

The Paraguayan has found another level to his game this season, managing eight goals in the past 14 matches.

Almiron had previously only managed four league goals, but is now one of Eddie Howe's most important players at Newcastle.

Ex-Magpie star Jose Enrique claims the comments may have made more of an impact than Almiron claims.

Enrique told Lord Ping: "It's funny how Jack Grealish said those comments about Almiron, because now people at City are wishing that he was playing like him! He's becoming the player everyone wished that he would become. Also the team is helping him because of how they are performing. I'm very happy for him and he will definitely be in my starting 11 for the season so far.

"He will definitely make it in my team of the year so far. Salah is my number one pick for right wing even if he is not playing at his normal level. But it's too soon to make a call on that now!

"Almiron is a player people will criticise because of his position. You need to score goals, you need to give assists and he was lacking on those fronts.

"The effort you could never doubt. He will always press you and will always go for the ball. The team wasn't helping him either, they were fighting to get out of relegation. That was the reality so it was very difficult to be in the spotlight in a good way when the team is struggling.

"Now the team is doing well, you can see he's doing well and I love him as a player. I love the match intensity and desire. I love players like this."