Former Atlanta United manager Gerardo Martino says he had no doubts that Miguel Almiron would become a success in the Premier League.

The Newcastle United attacker is having the best season of his career so far.

Almiron, who struggled in the Premier League under Steve Bruce, has found a new lease of life since Eddie Howe's appointment as manager.

Martino told La Nacion: “It was a matter of time. This began to happen, I think, when the team changed ownership and important players arrived. He went from fighting relegation to a place in the UEFA mix. That helped him a lot and also the national team.

“He is competing against the best players in the world, on Sunday against Liverpool and days later against Manchester City or United. That's very important."