Toon star’s future in doubt after Bruce fallout

ALLAN SAINT-MAXIMIN’S future at Newcastle is in doubt after Steve Bruce dropped him for Saturday’s goalless draw with Burnley, then claimed the winger was struggling with a hamstring injury. Sources insist the 22-year-old is fully fit and available for selection, even though manager Bruce said yesterday he was a doubt for tonight’s FA Cup tie at West Bromwich because of back and hamstring issues. Wolves and Crystal Palace are monitoring developments after learning of the situation. The St James’ Park crowd sang for the introduction of their favourite in the second half of the game against Burnley and he was finally brought on with 12 minutes remaining. It has been suggested that Bruce was trying to protect Saint-Maximin by saying he is carrying a slight injury, rather than revealing he had been dropped, although Newcastle maintain he was struggling with a hamstring problem on Thursday and the manager chose not to risk him.

Sportsmail understands there have been concerns about the Frenchman’s recent performances in training and Bruce decided he wanted to

field a team he could rely on against Burnley. However, it is claimed a number of players have been frustrated with the tactics employed, believe the team should be playing better football, and are more capable than Bruce is making out in public. After a run of one win in 10 league matches, Newcastle are five points off the bottom three and could do without a fallout between their head coach and arguably their best outfield player. Indeed, the Magpies have won only one game without him in the starting XI. Saint-Maximin (below) signed a six-year contract in the summer after joining for £16million from Nice and looked set for a bright future on Tyneside following an excellent first half of the season. However, there is likely to be no shortage of interest in the former France Under 21 star should relations fail to improve in the coming months. Saint-Maximin has scored two goals in 19 appearances and has thrilled the Toon Army with his explosive pace and direct play.