FORMER Albion defender Dan Burn has been praised for his impact at Newcastle United.

The centre back left the club in the January transfer window to join his boyhood club and help steer them away from relegation.

Burn has managed to be an astute signing for the Magpies as he has helped them climb up the table to 14th place, four points above the bottom three.

The 29-year-old will face Albion on Saturday at St James' Park, since he left the club Graham Potter's side have conceded ten goals in five games and have only won once.

The Argus: Dan Burn left Brighton and Hove Albion in JanuaryDan Burn left Brighton and Hove Albion in January

Burn had become an important player for Albion this season during injuries to Lewis Dunk and Adam Webster but since they returned to fitness, the decision was made that Burn could leave.

Newcastle Fan TV presenter Sam Mulliner believes that the defender is what the club needed in their time of trouble.

He told the Argus: "You don’t need me to tell you how much of a beast Dan Burn is.

"This is proving to be a real smart, astute signing. Some neutrals will say Newcastle have bought their way out of trouble, whilst others are saying 'All that money and they sign Chris Wood and Dan Burn.'

"Well Dan Burn is exactly what we needed.

"The improvements in defence have been remarkable and that is down to Burn and Trippier.

"Burn was man of the match on his debut and hasn’t looked back.

"When he signed - he said himself he was perfectly happy at Brighton, so hopefully he gets a nice reception from the travelling support, which I’m sure he will."