The £51m summer signing has struggled to make an impact since his move from Lille

Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer sees some positive signs in Matias Fernandez-Pardo's performances but remains convinced he is not a centre-forward.

The Belgium international joined Newcastle in a £51million move from Lille last month and initially the feeling was he would slot in as the number 10 in Matthias Jaissle's 4-2-3-1 system.

But it quickly became apparent after talking to people in France that his favoured position was as a central striker and that is where he has featured in each of his five appearances for the club so far.

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The 21-year-old has started the last three matches up front but is yet to find the back of the net in a Newcastle shirt and he came under fire in Monday's 4-1 defeat to Coventry for missing two gilt-edged opportunities.

It has led to a debate over whether Fernandez-Pardo's best position is as a striker or whether he should be moved deeper to plays as a number 10 or out wide.

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The one positive from Monday's game, and throughout his time on Tyneside so far, is that he is getting into some dangerous positions and his turn of pace is a sight to behold.

But he is missing that clinical edge right now and although Shearer feels he doesn't possess the natural prowess of a traditional number nine, he does think things may change once he scores his first goal for the club.

"I think there's definitely something in there with Fernandez-Pardo, but I'm still not convinced he's a centre forward," Shearer told Betfair.

"I'd said that before the Coventry game. I said I've seen him once or twice and the little bits that I've seen of him, he doesn't look like a natural no.9, but, and it's always a big but, if or when you get your first goal you see a different player and that's what he needs. Clearly, he needs that first goal and we might see lift off if he gets that first one."

Speaking in his press conference yesterday, Jaissle defended Fernandez-Pardo and insisted he retains his full confidence to lead the line for Newcastle.

"Young lads coming into the Premier League for the first time need the adaptation time. I got the recommendation that I should be patient for at least half a year until winter with these lads.

"Of course, we don't have the time in the Premier League, so the development and adjustment needs to be as fast as possible. But I'm glad we see him already in the situations that he's bringing.

"He's creating the chances. It's just the goal missing right now to give him the confidence back. He's an amazing player and he has so much potential.

"We are convinced that it's just a matter of time. I watched him today in the session, when he got a couple of more finishes. Pure class. I have full conviction he will perform again on a good level and hopefully he will get the rewards."