Carver not afraid of leaving Gouffran out of Newcastle starting line up

Carver dropped Gouffran for Saturday’s game against Hull City at the KC Stadium and handed Sammy Ameobi a start.

Gouffran selection this season has been questioned by fans.

And Carver’s team selection paid dividends, as Ameobi AND Gouffran – who came off the bench – found the net in a 3-0 win, the club’s first of 2015.

Asked about his decision to play Ameobi ahead of Gouffran, Carver said: “It was important that we start winning football matches.

“When you win, it’s a great decision. If we’d lost, people might have questioned that decision.

“The important thing is that we’ve got a group or players – and I’m going to use the group of players to win games.

“It’ll change from time to time, but it’s a good start.”

Gouffran, on for Remy Cabella, netted late in the game with a deflected shot after making a powerful run forward.

Carver added: “We’ve worked a little bit on people running forward and joining in, and when things open up, you’ve got to be brave and take on the shot.”

It was an especially memorable afternoon for midfielder Remy Cabella, who got Newcastle off the mark with his first goal for the club.

Cabella, signed from Montpellier last summer, seized on a loose pass and created space for himself before beating Allan McGregor with a well-struck shot.

“We know he’s got ability, but he’s got to start producing the goods – whether it’s a cross, a shot and goals,” said Carver.

“He’s done that. His time was up, that’s why I brought him off.

“I said to the guys in the dressing room it’s very important (now) we’re now getting players fit, they’ve got to fit into the way the team plays.

“If you don’t, you’re off the pitch. He gave everything – 100 per c