Get the latest NUFC transfer and takeover news straight to your inbox for FREE by signing up to our newsletter Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

BBC pundit Trevor Sinclair has said that Dwight Gayle ‘reminds him of Ian Wright’, after the striker’s brace helped Newcastle United secure a vital 2-0 victory away at Leeds United.

Rafa Benitez opted for Gayle instead of Aleksandar Mitrovic up front this afternoon and was greatly rewarded as the forward fired in his 13th and 14th goals of the season at Elland Road.

Gayle’s goals fired Newcastle to a ninth successive win in all competitions, moving the Magpies five points clear of second placed Brighton and nine points clear of third placed Reading.

And his performance left former West Ham and England star, Sinclair, in no doubt as to how good Gayle is, comparing him to Arsenal and Crystal Palace legend Ian Wright.

Speaking on BBC Radio 5Live, Sinclair said: “He reminds me of Ian Wright. He’s an absolute pest. If you get the ball to him he’ll put the ball in the net.

“He didn’t get the opportunity at Palace but he’s been given the number nine shirt at Newcastle and he’ll continue to score goals for them.

“He sniffs out a goal from anywhere; his movement off the ball is great and he has been outstanding today.”

Wright, of course, scored 113 times in the Premier League, and Sinclair believes that Gayle can continue this type of scoring form in the Premier League - should United win promotion.

He added: “Given the opportunity he would have scored goals for Palace this season but if Newcastle continue to play like this, he’ll score goals in the Premier League for them next season as well.”