Newcastle United's Joelinton(Image: SmartFrame/News Images)

It would have been a brave man who predicted this in 2019. When Joelinton runs out for Newcastle United against Aston Villa on Sunday, it will be the Brazilian's 250th appearance for the club in all competitions

It's a far cry from the early days of his career on Tyneside, when the then No 9 struggled to make an impact after a £40m move from Hoffenheim.

It was rare that Mike Ashley was persuaded to part with such a large transfer fee, which only magnified the pressure as Joelinton found goals hard to come by.

But an inspired switch in position under Eddie Howe, just weeks into his Newcastle reign, changed everything.

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The rest is history as Joelinton went from strength to strength as a tough tackling midfielder, ironically with an eye for goal, who has helped propel the club into the Champions League twice, and win the Carabao Cup last season.

Now 29, he has reflected on almost six years at St James'...