IT’S BEEN A TOUGH TYNE

Longstaff determined to return from red-card exile

SEAN LONGSTAFF admits he has gone from hero to zero – and must fight for a new deal at Newcastle.

He lost his first-team berth following a red card against Wolves last month, after he and younger brother Matty (right) had earned rave reviews in the

Toon midfield.

Longstaff hinted contract talks had stalled, with his representatives seeking pay parity with other first-teamers.

Newcastle chiefs want proof he is a regular influence in the starting XI before bumping up his contract, which was signed last December before he made his breakthrough.

Longstaff has one game to go of a three-match suspension and will be back in contention to face Manchester City in 11 days’ time. He said: “The ban is really frustrating. I don’t think any player wants to give up their place in the team. I think, when you get sent off, you give it up pretty cheaply. That was one of the things that disappointed me.

“That’s football, isn’t it? You’re more thinking about the lows of getting sent off rather than the highs of the weeks before. Football changes so fast.

“Me and Matty were everywhere, and everyone wanted to speak to us, and the next week you’re not involved and the team win against West Ham and Bournemouth, and you’re sort of forgotten about. It’s about learning that does happen in football.

“Things aren’t going to go your way all the time. I knew I wasn’t going to play against West Ham, but I thought Matty would. When he got left out, I was obviously really disappointed for him, but the manager made a decision and

Jonjo came in and scored and Isaac came in and did really well.

“We’re going to need everyone. We’ll look to push up the table, which everyone in the dressing room thinks we can. Hopefully this is my little break from the team, and when I come back, I can get back in as soon as possible and get back to where I was.”

Matty made his England-u20 debut last week in Portugal and will be on the bench for Monday’s trip to Aston Villa, where Steve Bruce’s men are seeking a third win in a row. Bruce will persevere with Shelvey and Hayden anchoring midfield.

Matty will agree a new deal imminently, having been out of contract in June, but Sean may have to wait. Sean said: “It’s up to the club, what they want to do. There have been conversations. I don’t want to give too much away.”