McClaren praises Jordan Ayew’s performance

Former England manager Steve McClaren singled out Andre Ayew for praise after the Ghana international shone in Aston Villa’s 1-1 draw with Newcastle United.

Ayew provided the assist which was headed in by Aaron Tshibola in the 88th minute to cancel out Tommy Elphick’s first-half own goal.

He was one of the game’s standout players during the closing stages and nearly equalised with 18 minutes left when he hit the post with a curling shot after Mile Jedinak had seen a goal disallowed for offside shortly before.

"We played them last season and he did exactly the same,” former Newcastle manager McClaren told Sky Sports.

"He came inside and riffled one into the top corner from 30 yards out. That’s the difference between winning and losing, and he certainly gave them a spark on that left-hand side."