The term “his coming back from injury is like a new signing” is probably one of the most overused in football but in the case of Isaac Hayden you could forgive Rafa Benitez if he decides to use that particular cliche when describing the return of the 22 year-old after a nine game absence.
The defensive midfielder, who can also play at centre back, has enjoyed an impressive season at St James’ Park and is one of the reasons the Magpies sit on top of the Championship, odds on for an automatic return to the top flight of English football.
Hayden could play a vital role in the title run-in and has already endeared himself to the Geordie faithful with his actions on and off the pitch as a recent turn at volunteering at a food bank had the fans praising him to the rafters on social media- here’s how they responded to his return:
@ChronicleNUFC @IsaacHayden65 He could be the big difference that gets us over the finishing line, we need him in for Colback!
— JJ Fletcher (@JJFletcher7) March 25, 2017
@JJFletcher7 @ChronicleNUFC @IsaacHayden65 missed his energy, mobility, pace. Good player
— Patty (@Patty_518) March 25, 2017
@ChronicleNUFC @IsaacHayden65 @ChronicleLive absolutely buzzing this guy is back definitely missed him
— Mark Hodgson (@markhodgson87) March 25, 2017
Finally some positive news on the injury front as Hayden looks set to return vs. Wigan..
#NUFC https://t.co/p8aIBfBrXs… pic.twitter.com/hTrIYpuhws
— NUFCblog.co.uk (@NUFCblogcouk) March 24, 2017