WISSA'S SHEAR JOY

Toon star's back and is desperate to deliver in iconic No.9 shirt

- BY LEE RYDER

YOANE WISSA hopes his decision to put club before country can help endear him to the Newcastle faithful after finally making his debut.

Eleven weeks on from a knee injury suffered while starring for DR Congo against Senegal, he pulled on the No.9 shirt.

And Wissa - who had just 10 touches during his cameo - admitted that it was time to “deliver” and live up to the iconic jersey once worn by Alan Shearer.

After Bruno Guimaraes scored direct from a corner and Anthony Gordon's penalty put Newcastle in full control, a late penalty from Zian Flemming made for a nervous finish for Eddie Howe's side.

However, with Wissa back and the prospect of a partnership with £69million striker Nick Woltemade now on the horizon for the Magpies, things are looking up on Tyneside.

Wissa informed his country that he would not be taking part in the African Cup of Nations last week, a decision that was applauded by Newcastle fans.