JACOB MURPHY and Joelinton were on the scoresheet as Newcastle United claimed a pre-season victory at Burton Albion’s Pirelli Stadium.

While Callum Wilson and Allan Saint-Maximin were unavailable because of a combination of injury and illness, Joelinton proved his wellbeing with a goal and an assist.

The Brazilian returned from injury and had a major hand in Murphy’s opener, which came after just six minutes.

Joelinton raced on to Matt Ritchie’s through ball into the left-hand channel, and while Isaac Hayden was unable to convert his centre into the middle, Murphy was on hand to sweep home.

Freddie Woodman continued in goal with Karl Darlow still unavailable because of Covid and Martin Dubravka ruled out with a foot injury, and the youngster made a good save from Luke Akins’ header.

Woodman looks set to start the season as Newcastle’s number one, and following his successful loan spell at Swansea City last term, the England Under-21 international appears determined to make the most of his opportunity. If he performs creditably in the opening weeks of the Premier League season, Steve Bruce will find himself with a difficult decision to make for the remainder of the campaign.

For now, the Magpies manager continues to pursue new signings, although Joelinton did his best last night to push his own first-team claims.

The striker might have relinquished his number nine shirt earlier this summer, but he remains Newcastle’s record signing and he had an effort cleared off the line midway through the first half.

Federico Fernandez saw a header saved shortly before half-time, and it took just two minutes of the second half for Joelinton to double Newcastle’s lead. A corner was delivered into the area, and the striker was unmarked as he headed home.

Youngster Joe White came on for the closing stages, and the England Under-18 international almost claimed his first Newcastle goal with a long-range volley that was saved.

Mark Gillespie, who replaced Woodman in the second period, held on to a curled effort from Burton’s Omari Patrick, but Bruce’s side were able to see out the closing stages with a minimum of fuss despite a raft of late substitutions.