FALLOUT IS FAKE NEWS

ALLAN SAINT-MAXIMIN is back in the Newcastle squad – and Steve Bruce has blasted as “fake news” suggestions they had a fallout.

Under-fire boss Steve Bruce (above with Saint-maximin) told of his relief that the French winger has recovered from two months out with coronavirus without organ damage.

Saint-maximin is likely to be on the bench against Aston Villa tonight and Bruce said: “The good news is that Allan will take some part. In 18 months here he has given us a lift.

“He has been out two months with this horrible virus, but he is on the mend.

“It was good to see him in the last week or so because he’s bounced around the training ground. He’s delighted to be given the go-ahead and thankfully this virus hasn’t scarred any of the organs which it attacked.

“Let’s hope he can come and give us a spark. The team needs that bit of his flair, style, arrogance, swagger and pace we’ve been missing at the top end of the pitch.”

Since Saint-maximin was struck down with a dozen other players at the end of November, Newcastle have lost seven of their 11 games.

Bruce added: “I’ve seen it written three or four times that I’d had a fallout. I can honestly tell you I’ve had no real fallout with him. Where it comes from I don’t know. It is certainly fake news. Fake news!”

Bruce has asked for Bournemouth coach Graeme Jones to be added to his backroom staff. Jones helped Roberto Martinez coach Belgium and also managed Luton.

If owner Mike Ashley signs off the deal it would bolster Bruce’s position.