Newcastle boss insists Riviere is NOT a flop

Riviere, signed for £5m from Monaco last summer, is still looking for his first Premier League goal.

The 25-year-old’s only two strikes for the club have come in the Capital One Cup.

And Riviere – who has started Newcastle’s last two games – could drop down to the bench for tomorrow’s game against Everton at Goodison Park.

But head coach Carver says it is too early to judge Riviere.

“A lot of players take some time to adapt,” said Riviere.

“Ask any Premier League manager, and they’ll say the same thing.

“It’s a different demand. It’s demands more than anything else.

“I will defend him, he’s one of my players. The one thing about Manu is he works his socks off.

“He keeps getting on the end of things – he keeps getting in the right areas – and I’m telling you, before time it will come off.

“Let’s judge him at the end of the season, or in six months time.

“This is the first time he’s had a real run in the team, let’s not forget.

“He’s not played for the 90 minutes, but he’s had a right good go at it.

“He’s got to convert the chances – I understand that – but let’s judge him in the future.

“I do think it takes guys time.”

Meanwhile, Newcastle striker Adam Campbell has returned from his half-season loan at Conference club Gateshead for treatment.

Carver said: “Young Adam Campbell has come back from Gateshead with an ankle sprain.

“We are looking after him and he is one or two weeks.”